Chaetopappa ericoides
Rose-heath, Rose-Heath
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Family: Asteraceae · Type: Subshrub · Native
Chaetopappa ericoides (Rose-heath) is a native California subshrub in the Asteraceae family, recognized by Western outpost of primarily Great Plains genus, adapted to high desert mountain conditions.
Rose-heath is a California native perennial found in the western and desert mountains including White and Inyo Mountains in dry slopes, desert woodland, and blackbush scrub at elevations of 1,150 to 2,900 meters. Flowering from April to September, this plant produces white to pale pink ray flowers 5 to 10 millimeters long in delicate clusters. Growing with slender ascending stems 5 to 15 centimeters tall that branch throughout, it forms a bushy herb from a slightly woody base. Its leaves are small and narrow, ranging from 4 to 12 millimeters long, with linear to obovate shapes that taper to an obtuse or abruptly pointed tip. The fruit is brown and hairy, topped with approximately 25 white, minutely barbed bristles.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Western outpost of primarily Great Plains genus, adapted to high desert mountain conditions
Habitat and range
Habitat: dry slopes, desert woodland, blackbush scrub
Elevation: 1150-2900 m
Outside California: to Wyoming, Nebraska, Texas, northern Mexico
Bloom period
Chaetopappa ericoides blooms Apr-Sep.
How to tell it apart
vs Xylorhiza: Xylorhiza has large showy rays (15-40mm), not tiny 5-10mm rays; vs Corethrogyne: Corethrogyne is larger overall with brown pappus, not white; vs Chloracantha: Chloracantha has thorny branches, which Chaetopappa lacks; vs Symphyotrichum: Symphyotrichum has clustered flower heads and is much taller than 6 inches; vs Eurybia: Eurybia is a robust perennial over 20cm tall, not a tiny 5-15cm subshrub
Frequently asked questions
Is Chaetopappa ericoides native to California?
Yes. Chaetopappa ericoides is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Chaetopappa ericoides bloom?
Chaetopappa ericoides blooms Apr-Sep.
What plant family does Chaetopappa ericoides belong to?
Chaetopappa ericoides is in the Asteraceae family, genus Chaetopappa.
What habitat does Chaetopappa ericoides grow in?
Chaetopappa ericoides grows in dry slopes, desert woodland, blackbush scrub.
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.