Centromadia parryi subsp. parryi
Pappose tarplant, Pappose Tarplant
Photo: parent species Centromadia parryi · no rights reserved · CC0
Family: Asteraceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.2
Centromadia parryi subsp. parryi (Pappose tarplant) is a native California herb in the Asteraceae family, recognized by glandular hairs, anther color, and involucre size.
Pappose tarplant is a rare (CNPS 1B.2) California native perennial found in southern North Coast Ranges, southern North Coast Interior, southern Sacramento Valley, and northern Central Coast in grasslands, coastal salt marshes, and alkaline springs at elevations below 400 meters. Flowering from June to October, this plant produces yellow flowers with ray florets 3 to 5 millimeters long and distinctively coarse, glandular texture. Growing with erect stems up to 60 centimeters tall, it develops a robust and spreading habit characteristic of tarplants. Its leaves are notably hairy with yellow sessile or short-stalked glands, creating a textured and somewhat sticky appearance. The plant's yellow anthers and lack of purple lines on paleae further distinguish this distinctive tarplant in its native grassland habitats.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 6 sympatric species; key features are glandular hairs, anther color, and involucre size
Habitat and range
Habitat: Grassland, coastal salt marshes, alkaline springs, seeps
Elevation: < 400 m
California counties: Colusa, Lake, San Mateo, Yolo, Napa, Solano, Sonoma, Glenn
Bloom period
Centromadia parryi subsp. parryi blooms Jun-Oct.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.2
Frequently asked questions
Is Centromadia parryi subsp. parryi native to California?
Yes. Centromadia parryi subsp. parryi is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Centromadia parryi subsp. parryi bloom?
Centromadia parryi subsp. parryi blooms Jun-Oct.
Where in California does Centromadia parryi subsp. parryi grow?
Centromadia parryi subsp. parryi occurs in Colusa, Lake, San Mateo, Yolo, Napa, Solano, Sonoma, Glenn, at elevations of < 400 m.
What plant family does Centromadia parryi subsp. parryi belong to?
Centromadia parryi subsp. parryi is in the Asteraceae family, genus Centromadia.
Is Centromadia parryi subsp. parryi rare or endangered?
Centromadia parryi subsp. parryi carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.2, 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.