Erigeron calvus
Bald daisy
(c) Michael J. Papay, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Michael J. Papay · licence
Family: Asteraceae · Type: Subshrub · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.1
Erigeron calvus (Bald daisy) is a native California subshrub in the Asteraceae family, recognized by key features: very limited range, spoon-shaped leaves, no/tiny rays.
Bald daisy is a rare (CNPS 1B.1) California native perennial found in the southern Sierra Nevada eastern mountains, specifically the western base of the Inyo Mountains, in sagebrush and desert scrub at elevations around 1,200 meters. Flowering in May, this plant produces white flower heads with inconspicuous ray flowers in clusters approximately 1.3 centimeters wide. Growing 10 to 14 centimeters tall with much-branched stems that are long-spreading-hairy, it emerges from a distinctive taproot. Its basal leaves are spoon-shaped, 3 to 5 centimeters long, with ciliate edges and faces covered in long spreading hairs and minute glands. The plant's delicate stems and sparse, glandular foliage make it a distinctive inhabitant of high desert and sagebrush landscapes.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 13 sympatric species; key features: very limited range, spoon-shaped leaves, no/tiny rays
Habitat and range
Habitat: Sagebrush and desert scrub
Elevation: +- 1200 m.
Bloom period
Erigeron calvus blooms May.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.1
How to tell it apart
vs Bellis: Erigeron has double-layered pappus (outer scales + inner bristles); Bellis completely lacks pappus.; vs Symphyotrichum: Erigeron has double pappus (2 layers); Symphyotrichum has single layer of uniform bristles.; vs Corethrogyne: Erigeron has simple unbranched stems; Corethrogyne has branched stems.; vs Pseudognaphalium: Erigeron has flat button-like flower heads; Pseudognaphalium has woolly clustered heads without rays.; vs Artemisia: Erigeron has obvious ray petals around yellow disk; Artemisia lacks ray petals entirely.
Frequently asked questions
Is Erigeron calvus native to California?
Yes. Erigeron calvus is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Erigeron calvus bloom?
Erigeron calvus blooms May.
What plant family does Erigeron calvus belong to?
Erigeron calvus is in the Asteraceae family, genus Erigeron.
Is Erigeron calvus rare or endangered?
Erigeron calvus carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.1, state rank S1.
What habitat does Erigeron calvus grow in?
Erigeron calvus grows in Sagebrush and desert scrub.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · 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.