Dimeresia howellii
Doublet
(c) Jim Morefield, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Jim Morefield · licence
Family: Asteraceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 2B.3
Dimeresia howellii (Doublet) is a native California herb in the Asteraceae family, recognized by Great Basin endemic genus with limited distribution on volcanic soils of the Modoc Plateau.
Doublet is a rare (CNPS 2B.3) California native annual found in the Modoc Plateau in dry volcanic soils at elevations of 1,500 to 2,400 meters. Flowering from May to August, this diminutive plant produces white to purple flowers in small clustered heads with delicate, spreading flower lobes. Growing as a tiny tufted plant generally 1 to 4 centimeters tall, it features a cobwebby base with glandular upper stems. Its leaves are short-petioled, oblanceolate to ovate, clustered around the flower heads and ranging 1 to 3 centimeters in length. The fruit is approximately 3 millimeters long, cylindrical with ribs, and topped by about 20 plumose pappus bristles.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Great Basin endemic genus with limited distribution on volcanic soils of the Modoc Plateau
Habitat and range
Habitat: dry volcanic soils
Elevation: 1500-2400 m
Outside California: to southern Oregon, southwestern Idaho, northwestern Nevada
Bloom period
Dimeresia howellii blooms May-Aug.
Conservation status
CNPS 2B.3
How to tell it apart
vs Luina: Dimeresia has 2-3 flowers per head and feathery bristles; Luina has 10+ flowers and white-woolly leaf undersides.; vs Ageratina: Dimeresia has only 2-3 flowers per head; Ageratina has many flowers (10+) per head.; vs Lessingia: Dimeresia has just 2-3 flowers per head on volcanic soils; Lessingia has many more flowers per head.; vs Brickellia: Dimeresia has only 2-3 flowers per head with feathery bristles; Brickellia has 10+ flowers with barbed bristles.; vs Saussurea: Dimeresia is a small annual with 2-3 flowers per head; Saussurea is larger with many flowers per head.
Frequently asked questions
Is Dimeresia howellii native to California?
Yes. Dimeresia howellii is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Dimeresia howellii bloom?
Dimeresia howellii blooms May-Aug.
What plant family does Dimeresia howellii belong to?
Dimeresia howellii is in the Asteraceae family, genus Dimeresia.
Is Dimeresia howellii rare or endangered?
Dimeresia howellii carries California Rare Plant Rank 2B.3, state rank S3.
What habitat does Dimeresia howellii grow in?
Dimeresia howellii grows in dry volcanic soils.
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.