Erigeron inornatus var. calidipetris
Hot rock daisy, Hot Rock Daisy
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Family: Asteraceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 4.3
Erigeron inornatus var. calidipetris (Hot rock daisy) is a native California herb in the Asteraceae family, recognized by reflexed hairs, short stature, volcanic habitat.
Hot rock daisy is a California native perennial ranked 4.3 by CNPS, found in the California Cascades and Modoc Plateau in loose sandy areas, lava beds, and forest edges at elevations of 1,100 to 2,000 meters. Flowering from June to August, this plant produces white to pale lavender daisy-like flowers in small clusters. Growing with decumbent to ascending stems 10 to 20 centimeters tall that are reflexed-hairy near the base, it forms low-growing clumps. Its leaves are stiff-hairy and ciliated, with proximal and middle leaves showing distinctive hair patterns. The plant's compact form and ability to thrive in harsh rocky environments make it a notable wildflower of volcanic landscapes.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 32 sympatric species; key features are reflexed hairs, short stature, volcanic habitat
Habitat and range
Habitat: Loose sand, lava beds, depression edges, forest
Elevation: 1100-2000 m
Bloom period
Erigeron inornatus var. calidipetris blooms Jun-Aug.
Conservation status
CNPS 4.3
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 inornatus var. calidipetris native to California?
Yes. Erigeron inornatus var. calidipetris is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Erigeron inornatus var. calidipetris bloom?
Erigeron inornatus var. calidipetris blooms Jun-Aug.
What plant family does Erigeron inornatus var. calidipetris belong to?
Erigeron inornatus var. calidipetris is in the Asteraceae family, genus Erigeron.
Is Erigeron inornatus var. calidipetris rare or endangered?
Erigeron inornatus var. calidipetris carries California Rare Plant Rank 4.3, state rank S3.
What habitat does Erigeron inornatus var. calidipetris grow in?
Erigeron inornatus var. calidipetris grows in Loose sand, lava beds, depression edges, forest.
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.