Centromadia parryi subsp. congdonii
Congdon's tarplant, Congdon's Tarplant
Photo: parent species Centromadia parryi · no rights reserved · CC0
Family: Asteraceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.1
Centromadia parryi subsp. congdonii (Congdon's tarplant) is a native California herb in the Asteraceae family, recognized by reduced glandularity, yellow anthers, and palea characteristics.
Congdon's tarplant is a rare (CNPS 1B.1) California native perennial found in central western California in terraces, swales, floodplains, and grasslands at elevations below 300 meters. Flowering from June to October, this plant produces yellow disk flowers with rays 2.5 to 3 millimeters long in compact clusters. Growing to moderate height with erect stems that are seldom glandular but can have coarse hairs, it forms a characteristic clumped appearance in open grassland environments. Its leaves are glabrous or slightly hairy, with occasional minute yellow glandular spots among the nonglandular hairs. The plant's distinctive yellow disk flowers with brown-tinged anthers make it a notable member of California's grassland ecosystems.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 4 sympatric species; key features are reduced glandularity, yellow anthers, and palea characteristics
Habitat and range
Habitat: Terraces, swales, floodplains, grassland, disturbed sites
Elevation: < 300 m
California counties: Alameda, Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Solano, Contra Costa
Bloom period
Centromadia parryi subsp. congdonii blooms Jun-Oct.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.1
Frequently asked questions
Is Centromadia parryi subsp. congdonii native to California?
Yes. Centromadia parryi subsp. congdonii is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Centromadia parryi subsp. congdonii bloom?
Centromadia parryi subsp. congdonii blooms Jun-Oct.
Where in California does Centromadia parryi subsp. congdonii grow?
Centromadia parryi subsp. congdonii occurs in Alameda, Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Solano, Contra Costa, at elevations of < 300 m.
What plant family does Centromadia parryi subsp. congdonii belong to?
Centromadia parryi subsp. congdonii is in the Asteraceae family, genus Centromadia.
Is Centromadia parryi subsp. congdonii rare or endangered?
Centromadia parryi subsp. congdonii carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.1, state rank S2.
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.