Centromadia parryi subsp. rudis
Parry's rough tarplant, Parry's Rough Tarplant
Photo: parent species Centromadia parryi · no rights reserved · CC0
Family: Asteraceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 4.2
Centromadia parryi subsp. rudis (Parry's rough tarplant) is a native California herb in the Asteraceae family, recognized by scabrous indument, reduced glandularity, and smaller heads.
Parry's rough tarplant is a California native perennial ranked 4.2 by CNPS, found in southern North Coast Ranges and northern and central Great Valley in grasslands, marsh edges, and disturbed sites at elevations below 500 meters. Flowering from June to October, this plant produces yellow disk flowers with ray flowers 2 to 3 millimeters long. Growing with stems 20 to 60 centimeters tall, it develops a coarse, bristly appearance with leaves that are notably rough and hairy. Its leaves are distinctively scabrous-puberulent, with a coarse texture and bristly ciliate margins that give the plant a rugged character. In disturbed habitats, this tarplant stands out with its bristly foliage and clusters of yellow flowers, adapting well to challenging environmental conditions.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 5 sympatric species; key features are scabrous indument, reduced glandularity, and smaller heads
Habitat and range
Habitat: Grassland, edges of marshes and vernal pools, disturbed sites
Elevation: < 500 m
California counties: Colusa, Sutter, Merced, Sonoma, Stanislaus, Butte, Glenn, San Joaquin, Solano, Yolo, Modoc, Lake, Sacramento
Bloom period
Centromadia parryi subsp. rudis blooms Jun-Oct.
Conservation status
CNPS 4.2
Frequently asked questions
Is Centromadia parryi subsp. rudis native to California?
Yes. Centromadia parryi subsp. rudis is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Centromadia parryi subsp. rudis bloom?
Centromadia parryi subsp. rudis blooms Jun-Oct.
Where in California does Centromadia parryi subsp. rudis grow?
Centromadia parryi subsp. rudis occurs in Colusa, Sutter, Merced, Sonoma, Stanislaus, Butte, Glenn, San Joaquin and other counties, at elevations of < 500 m.
What plant family does Centromadia parryi subsp. rudis belong to?
Centromadia parryi subsp. rudis is in the Asteraceae family, genus Centromadia.
Is Centromadia parryi subsp. rudis rare or endangered?
Centromadia parryi subsp. rudis carries California Rare Plant Rank 4.2, state rank S3.
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.