Deinandra lobbii
Threeray tarweed
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Family: Asteraceae · Type: Herb · Native
Deinandra lobbii (Threeray tarweed) is a native California herb in the Asteraceae family, recognized by 3 ray flowers highly distinctive.
Threeray tarweed is a California native annual found in grasslands, open woodlands, and sagebrush scrub across the northwestern San Joaquin Valley, San Francisco Bay Area, northern South Coast Ranges, and Modoc Plateau at elevations up to 700 meters. Flowering from May to December, this plant produces deep yellow ray flowers 3 to 5 millimeters long with distinctive three-rayed heads. Growing 0.5 to 7 decimeters tall with branching stems, it develops a panicle-like cluster of flower heads. Its lower leaves are pinnately lobed or toothed, covered in bristly and coarse hairs, with glandular surfaces that give the plant a distinctive texture. The disk flowers feature striking reddish to dark purple anthers, adding visual complexity to its delicate yellow blooms.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 9 sympatric species; 3 ray flowers highly distinctive
Habitat and range
Habitat: Grassland, open woodland, sagebrush scrub, disturbed areas
Elevation: < 700(1800) m
California counties: Santa Clara, Modoc, Monterey, Fresno, Lassen, San Benito, Shasta, Solano, Alameda, Contra Costa, San Mateo, San Luis Obispo
Bloom period
Deinandra lobbii blooms May-Dec.
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 lobbii native to California?
Yes. Deinandra lobbii is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Deinandra lobbii bloom?
Deinandra lobbii blooms May-Dec.
Where in California does Deinandra lobbii grow?
Deinandra lobbii occurs in Santa Clara, Modoc, Monterey, Fresno, Lassen, San Benito, Shasta, Solano and other counties, at elevations of < 700(1800) m.
What plant family does Deinandra lobbii belong to?
Deinandra lobbii is in the Asteraceae family, genus Deinandra.
What habitat does Deinandra lobbii grow in?
Deinandra lobbii grows in Grassland, open woodland, sagebrush scrub, 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.