Blennosperma nanum
Common stickyseed
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Family: Asteraceae · Type: Herb · Native
Blennosperma nanum (Common stickyseed) is a native California herb in the Asteraceae family.
Common stickyseed is a California native annual found in grasslands and open areas at low elevations. Flowering from February to May, this plant produces bright yellow flowers in small heads with rays 3 to 7 millimeters long, often with purple undersides. Growing with delicate stems 5 to 15 centimeters tall, it spreads in low, loose clusters across its habitat. Its basal leaves are distinctive, typically 5 to 15 centimeters long with 5 to 15 lobes, creating a delicate, finely divided appearance. The tiny fruits are 2.5 to 4.5 millimeters long, contributing to the plant's subtle, intricate nature.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 0 sympatric species; geographically isolated but range unknown
How to tell it apart
vs Lasthenia: Lasthenia has simple, entire or toothed leaves, never the deeply pinnately lobed lower leaves of Blennosperma.; vs Crocidium: Crocidium has all basal leaves; Blennosperma has leaves along the stem with different shapes at different heights.; vs Grindelia: Grindelia heads are sticky-resinous with reflexed phyllary tips; Blennosperma is never sticky-resinous.; vs Calendula: Calendula has curved boat-shaped fruits; Blennosperma fruits are sticky but straight.; vs Dimorphotheca: Dimorphotheca has simple fuzzy leaves; Blennosperma lower leaves are deeply pinnately divided into finger-like lobes.
Frequently asked questions
Is Blennosperma nanum native to California?
Yes. Blennosperma nanum is native to California (recorded as native).
What plant family does Blennosperma nanum belong to?
Blennosperma nanum is in the Asteraceae family, genus Blennosperma.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.