Brickellia microphylla var. microphylla
Littleleaf brickellbush
Photo: parent species Brickellia microphylla · no rights reserved · CC0
Family: Asteraceae · Type: Shrub · Native
Brickellia microphylla var. microphylla (Littleleaf brickellbush) is a native California shrub in the Asteraceae family, recognized by mixed glandular/hirsute pubescence diagnostic.
Littleleaf brickellbush is a California native shrub found in southern Sierra Nevada, Sierra Nevada Highlands, San Gabriel Mountains, Warner Mountains, southeastern Sierra Nevada, and Mojave Desert regions in dry rocky places, canyon walls, sand dunes, and washes at elevations of 1,200 to 2,400 meters. Flowering from July to October, this plant produces pale flowers in heads 8 to 12 millimeters long with dense glandular characteristics. Growing with slender stems covered in dense glands and occasional long, crooked hairs, it forms a compact shrubby structure reaching moderate heights. Its small leaves are densely arranged, contributing to the plant's delicate and intricate appearance. The flower heads contain 15 to 28 individual florets, creating a subtle yet distinctive botanical display.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 16 sympatric species; mixed glandular/hirsute pubescence diagnostic
Habitat and range
Habitat: dry rocky places, canyon walls, sand dunes, washes
Elevation: 1200-2400 m
Outside California: to Washington, Wyoming, Utah, northern and western Arizona
Bloom period
Brickellia microphylla var. microphylla blooms Jul-Oct.
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 microphylla var. microphylla native to California?
Yes. Brickellia microphylla var. microphylla is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Brickellia microphylla var. microphylla bloom?
Brickellia microphylla var. microphylla blooms Jul-Oct.
What plant family does Brickellia microphylla var. microphylla belong to?
Brickellia microphylla var. microphylla is in the Asteraceae family, genus Brickellia.
What habitat does Brickellia microphylla var. microphylla grow in?
Brickellia microphylla var. microphylla grows in dry rocky places, canyon walls, sand dunes, washes.
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.