Chaenactis alpigena
Sharsmith pincushion, Sharsmith Pincushion
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Family: Asteraceae · Type: Herb · Native
Chaenactis alpigena (Sharsmith pincushion) is a native California herb in the Asteraceae family, recognized by cushion growth form and high elevation habitat.
Sharsmith pincushion is a California native perennial found in the Sierra Nevada and northern White Mountains in open, granitic sandy and gravelly high-elevation areas at elevations of 2,200 to 3,900 meters. Flowering from July to September, this plant produces white to pale pink flowers in small, compact heads about 9 to 14 millimeters long. Growing as a low, dense mat with stems 2 to 7 centimeters tall, it forms tightly clustered groups in harsh alpine environments. Its basal leaves are distinctive, varying between northern and southern populations, with some having wide elliptic blades that are flat and palmately lobed, while others have more three-dimensional, pinnately lobed leaves with curled or twisted tips. The plant's woolly, grayish to yellowish proximal hairs and compact growth form help it survive in exposed, rocky high-mountain habitats.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 10 sympatric species; key features are cushion growth form and high elevation habitat
Habitat and range
Habitat: Open, loose, generally granitic sand, gravel, scree
Elevation: 2200-3900 m
Outside California: to western Nevada
Bloom period
Chaenactis alpigena blooms Jul-Sep.
How to tell it apart
vs Eriophyllum: Eriophyllum has obvious yellow ray flowers; Chaenactis completely lacks rays; vs Lasthenia: Lasthenia has bright yellow rays; Chaenactis rayless with white/purple tubular flowers only; vs Malacothrix: Malacothrix has all strap-shaped flowers and milky sap; Chaenactis all tubular, clear sap; vs Eriogonum: Eriogonum flowers have 6 segments in ball-like clusters; Chaenactis typical composite heads; vs Uropappus: Uropappus has all strap-shaped yellow flowers; Chaenactis all tubular white/purple flowers
Frequently asked questions
Is Chaenactis alpigena native to California?
Yes. Chaenactis alpigena is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Chaenactis alpigena bloom?
Chaenactis alpigena blooms Jul-Sep.
What plant family does Chaenactis alpigena belong to?
Chaenactis alpigena is in the Asteraceae family, genus Chaenactis.
What habitat does Chaenactis alpigena grow in?
Chaenactis alpigena grows in Open, loose, generally granitic sand, gravel, scree.
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.