Deinandra increscens subsp. villosa
Gaviota tarplant, Gaviota Tarplant
(c) Casey H. Richart, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Asteraceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.1 · Endangered
Deinandra increscens subsp. villosa (Gaviota tarplant) is a native California herb in the Asteraceae family, recognized by short peduncles diagnostic.
Gaviota tarplant is a rare (CNPS 1B.1) California native annual found in northern Santa Clara and western Transverse Ranges, specifically from Gaviota to Point Conception in Santa Barbara County, inhabiting coastal bluffs and fields at elevations of 30 to 50 meters. Flowering from June to September, this plant produces yellow flowers in compact heads with 8 to 15 ray flowers and distinctive clustered inflorescences. Growing 0.6 to 4.5 decimeters tall with branching stems, it forms compact clusters with peduncle bracts that overlap most of the phyllaries. Its leaves are arranged along the stems, contributing to the plant's delicate and intricate appearance. The compact flower clusters and limited elevation range make this tarplant a unique component of coastal California's rare native flora.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 6 sympatric species - short peduncles diagnostic
Habitat and range
Habitat: Coastal bluffs, fields
Elevation: 30-50 m
California counties: Santa Barbara
Bloom period
Deinandra increscens subsp. villosa blooms Jun-Sep.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.1 · Endangered
How to tell it apart
vs Hemizonia: Deinandra rays pure yellow; Hemizonia rays often purple-veined beneath.; vs Holocarpha: Deinandra stalk bracts lack pit glands; Holocarpha has distinctive pit-gland tips.; vs Madia: Deinandra ray fruits with beaks; Madia ray fruits enclosed by phyllaries, different appearance.; vs Eriophyllum: Deinandra is resinous/sticky; Eriophyllum is woolly-hairy, not sticky.; vs Layia: Deinandra lacks ray pappus scales; Layia has prominent white/tan pappus bristles on ray flowers.
Frequently asked questions
Is Deinandra increscens subsp. villosa native to California?
Yes. Deinandra increscens subsp. villosa is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Deinandra increscens subsp. villosa bloom?
Deinandra increscens subsp. villosa blooms Jun-Sep.
Where in California does Deinandra increscens subsp. villosa grow?
Deinandra increscens subsp. villosa occurs in Santa Barbara, at elevations of 30-50 m.
What plant family does Deinandra increscens subsp. villosa belong to?
Deinandra increscens subsp. villosa is in the Asteraceae family, genus Deinandra.
Is Deinandra increscens subsp. villosa rare or endangered?
Deinandra increscens subsp. villosa carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.1, state rank S2.
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.