Crocanthemum scoparium var. scoparium
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Family: Cistaceae · Type: Perennial · Native
Crocanthemum scoparium var. scoparium is a native California perennial in the Cistaceae family, recognized by Co-occurs with 3 other species; distinguished from var. vulgare by smaller size and fewer flowers.
Sunshine-weed is a California native perennial found in coastal bioregions including northern Coast Ranges, central Coast, San Francisco Bay Area, southern California Coast, and northern Channel Islands in dry sandy or rocky slopes of coastal sage scrub and chaparral at elevations below 500 meters. Flowering from March to July, this plant produces bright yellow flowers in small clusters on each stem. Growing with slender stems 10 to 30 centimeters tall that spread near the base and rise upward or ascend from the ground, it forms delicate, open clusters. Its narrow leaves are arranged along the stems, contributing to the plant's lightweight, airy appearance. The small, bright yellow blossoms emerge in clusters of one to ten, creating subtle bursts of color across coastal hillsides.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Co-occurs with 3 other species; distinguished from var. vulgare by smaller size and fewer flowers
Habitat and range
Habitat: dry sandy or rocky slopes, ridges in coastal sage scrub, chaparral
Elevation: < 500 m
Outside California: Baja California
Bloom period
Crocanthemum scoparium var. scoparium blooms Mar-Jul.
How to tell it apart
vs Helianthemum: Crocanthemum has alternate stem leaves; Helianthemum has opposite stem leaves.; vs Acmispon: Acmispon has compound leaves with 3-5 leaflets and pea-shaped flowers; Crocanthemum has simple leaves and flat 5-petaled flowers.; vs Dendromecon: Dendromecon is a large shrub with leathery gray-green leaves; Crocanthemum is a ground-hugging herb.; vs Oenothera: Oenothera flowers have 4 petals and an X-shaped stigma; Crocanthemum has 5 petals.; vs Eschscholzia: Eschscholzia has finely dissected ferny leaves; Crocanthemum has simple entire leaves.
Frequently asked questions
Is Crocanthemum scoparium var. scoparium native to California?
Yes. Crocanthemum scoparium var. scoparium is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Crocanthemum scoparium var. scoparium bloom?
Crocanthemum scoparium var. scoparium blooms Mar-Jul.
What plant family does Crocanthemum scoparium var. scoparium belong to?
Crocanthemum scoparium var. scoparium is in the Cistaceae family, genus Crocanthemum.
What habitat does Crocanthemum scoparium var. scoparium grow in?
Crocanthemum scoparium var. scoparium grows in dry sandy or rocky slopes, ridges in coastal sage scrub, chaparral.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-08
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.