Blennosperma nanum var. robustum
Point reyes blennosperma, Point Reyes Blennosperma
Photo: parent species Blennosperma nanum · no rights reserved · CC0
Family: Asteraceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.2
Blennosperma nanum var. robustum (Point reyes blennosperma) is a native California herb in the Asteraceae family, recognized by disk flower count and pollen color diagnostic.
Point reyes blennosperma is a rare (CNPS 1B.2) California native annual found in central coastal California, including the Fort Bragg area in Mendocino County and Point Reyes Peninsula in Marin County, in sandy bluffs and grassy places among shrubs at elevations of 10 to 120 meters. Flowering from January to April, this plant produces yellow flowers with numerous disk flowers, creating bright, compact clusters. Growing with delicate stems to 20 centimeters tall, it forms small, ground-hugging clusters characteristic of annual wildflowers. Its leaves are narrow and elongated, spreading from the base of the plant in a loose, open pattern. The fruit is small, measuring 3 to 4.5 millimeters long, with distinctive yellow pollen contributing to its delicate appearance.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 1 sympatric species; disk flower count and pollen color diagnostic
Habitat and range
Habitat: Sandy bluffs, grassy places among shrubs
Elevation: 10-120 m
Bloom period
Blennosperma nanum var. robustum blooms Jan-Apr.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.2
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 var. robustum native to California?
Yes. Blennosperma nanum var. robustum is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Blennosperma nanum var. robustum bloom?
Blennosperma nanum var. robustum blooms Jan-Apr.
What plant family does Blennosperma nanum var. robustum belong to?
Blennosperma nanum var. robustum is in the Asteraceae family, genus Blennosperma.
Is Blennosperma nanum var. robustum rare or endangered?
Blennosperma nanum var. robustum carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.2, state rank S2.
What habitat does Blennosperma nanum var. robustum grow in?
Blennosperma nanum var. robustum grows in Sandy bluffs, grassy places among shrubs.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CNPS Rare Plant Inventory · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos · CDFW CNDDB
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.