Brickellia longifolia var. multiflora
Longleaf brickellbush
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Family: Asteraceae · Type: Shrub · Native
Brickellia longifolia var. multiflora (Longleaf brickellbush) is a native California shrub in the Asteraceae family, recognized by folded/curved leaves distinguish from var. longifolia.
Longleaf brickellbush is a California native shrub found in the Mojave Desert and White and Inyo Mountains in desert washes and springs at elevations of 900 to 1,700 meters. Flowering from September to November, this plant produces clusters of small flowers with subtle coloration. Growing with multiple stems 30 to 60 centimeters tall, it develops a distinctive branching structure. Its leaves are uniquely shaped, narrowly lanceolate with blades 10 to 130 millimeters long, often folded along the midveins and slightly curved like a sickle. The plant thrives in challenging desert environments, adapting to sparse and rocky terrain.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 13 sympatric species; folded/curved leaves distinguish from var. longifolia
Habitat and range
Habitat: uncommon; washes, springs
Elevation: 900-1700 m
California counties: Inyo, Mono
Outside California: Nevada
Bloom period
Brickellia longifolia var. multiflora blooms Sep-Nov.
How to tell it apart
vs Marrubium: Brickellia has cream flowers in heads; Marrubium has white flowers in whorls around stem with strongly wrinkled leaves.; vs Malacothamnus: Brickellia has composite flower heads; Malacothamnus has individual pink hibiscus-like flowers with fused stamens.; vs Atriplex: Brickellia has tubular flowers in heads; Atriplex has tiny greenish flowers and often has mealy gray coating on leaves.; vs Baccharis: Brickellia flowers are bisexual with protruding styles; Baccharis has separate male and female plants with styles hidden.; vs Bahiopsis: Brickellia lacks ray petals entirely; Bahiopsis has bright yellow ray petals surrounding the flower head.
Frequently asked questions
Is Brickellia longifolia var. multiflora native to California?
Yes. Brickellia longifolia var. multiflora is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Brickellia longifolia var. multiflora bloom?
Brickellia longifolia var. multiflora blooms Sep-Nov.
Where in California does Brickellia longifolia var. multiflora grow?
Brickellia longifolia var. multiflora occurs in Inyo, Mono, at elevations of 900-1700 m.
What plant family does Brickellia longifolia var. multiflora belong to?
Brickellia longifolia var. multiflora is in the Asteraceae family, genus Brickellia.
What habitat does Brickellia longifolia var. multiflora grow in?
Brickellia longifolia var. multiflora grows in uncommon; washes, springs.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
- Brickellia microphylla — Little leaved brickellia
- Brickellia microphylla var. microphylla — Littleleaf brickellbush
- Brickellia microphylla var. scabra — Rough brickellbush
- Brickellia nevinii — Nevin's brickellbush
- Brickellia oblongifolia var. linifolia — Narrow leaved brickellia
- Brickellia sp. — Brickellbush
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.