Cotula australis
Australian cotula, Australian Cotula
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Family: Asteraceae · Type: Herb · Not Native
Cotula australis (Australian cotula) is a non-native California herb in the Asteraceae family, recognized by key differences are leaf shape/base and flower color.
Australian cotula is a naturalized perennial found in coastal and interior regions of California including North Coast, Sierra Nevada Foothills, Central Western, and Southwestern areas in disturbed habitats at elevations below 1,650 meters. Flowering from January to May, this plant produces dull white to pale yellow flowers in small compact heads. Growing with multiple branched stems 2 to 20 centimeters tall, it spreads from its base with extensive branching throughout the plant. Its leaves are obovate to spoon-shaped, measuring 1 to 6 centimeters long, and can be either petioled or sessile. The tiny fruit is distinctive, with outer segments 1 to 1.2 millimeters long and slightly winged.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 1 sympatric species; key differences are leaf shape/base and flower color
Habitat and range
Habitat: Common. Disturbed areas
Elevation: < 1650 m
Outside California: native to Australia
Bloom period
Cotula australis blooms Jan-May.
How to tell it apart
vs Lepidium: Lepidium has four-petaled flowers and flat seed pods; Cotula has buttonlike composite heads.; vs Matricaria: Matricaria has white ray flowers around the disk; Cotula lacks ray flowers entirely.; vs Soliva: Soliva flower heads sit directly on stem hidden by leaves; Cotula heads elevated on leafless stalks.; vs Oncosiphon: Oncosiphon has feathery divided leaves; Cotula has less finely divided, broader leaf segments.; vs Helenium: Helenium is tall with wedge-shaped ray flowers; Cotula is prostrate with no rays.
Frequently asked questions
Is Cotula australis native to California?
No. Cotula australis is not native to California (recorded as not native).
When does Cotula australis bloom?
Cotula australis blooms Jan-May.
What plant family does Cotula australis belong to?
Cotula australis is in the Asteraceae family, genus Cotula.
What habitat does Cotula australis grow in?
Cotula australis grows in Common. Disturbed areas.
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.