Constancea nevinii
Nevin's woolly sunflower
(c) Adam J. Searcy, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Adam J. Searcy · licence
Family: Asteraceae · Type: Subshrub · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.3
Constancea nevinii (Nevin's woolly sunflower) is a native California subshrub in the Asteraceae family, recognized by Only species in genus Constancea, endemic to southern California Channel Islands and representing a distinct evolutionary lineage in the….
Nevin's woolly sunflower is a rare (CNPS 1B.3) California native shrub found in southern Channel Islands (excluding San Nicolas Island) on coastal bluffs and cliff faces at elevations below 300 meters. Flowering from April to September, this plant produces yellow ray flowers 2 to 3 millimeters long in large flat-topped clusters with 50 to 100 flower heads. Growing 50 to 150 centimeters tall with decumbent to erect stems that branch at the base and throughout, it forms a distinctive subshrub with white-tomentose foliage. Its alternate leaves are widely ovate, 8 to 25 centimeters long, with 1 to 2-pinnately divided linear to oblanceolate lobes that have slightly rolled under margins. The fruit is 2 to 3 millimeters long, obpyramidal to club-shaped, and turns nearly black with age.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Only species in genus Constancea, endemic to southern California Channel Islands and representing a distinct evolutionary lineage in the sunflower family
Habitat and range
Habitat: Coastal bluffs, cliff faces
Elevation: < 300 m
California counties: Los Angeles, Santa Barbara
Bloom period
Constancea nevinii blooms Apr-Sep.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.3
How to tell it apart
vs Jacobaea: Jacobaea lacks ray petals or has short rays; Constancea has conspicuous yellow rays.; vs Achillea: Achillea has finely dissected ferny leaves; Constancea has large simple leaves.; vs Senecio: Senecio has smaller leaves without distinct stalks; Constancea has large long-stalked leaves.; vs Eriophyllum: Eriophyllum has small leaves under 8 cm; Constancea has large leaves 8-25 cm long.; vs Artemisia: Artemisia has aromatic divided leaves; Constancea has large simple stalked leaves.
Frequently asked questions
Is Constancea nevinii native to California?
Yes. Constancea nevinii is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Constancea nevinii bloom?
Constancea nevinii blooms Apr-Sep.
Where in California does Constancea nevinii grow?
Constancea nevinii occurs in Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, at elevations of < 300 m.
What plant family does Constancea nevinii belong to?
Constancea nevinii is in the Asteraceae family, genus Constancea.
Is Constancea nevinii rare or endangered?
Constancea nevinii carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.3, 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.