Erigeron multiceps
Kern river daisy
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Family: Asteraceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.2
Erigeron multiceps (Kern river daisy) is a native California herb in the Asteraceae family, recognized by very numerous rays (75-125), riparian habitat.
Kern river daisy is a rare (CNPS 1B.2) California native perennial found in southern Sierra Nevada and San Bernardino Mountains in riverbanks, sandy flats, and meadows within pine or aspen woodland at elevations of 1,500 to 2,500 meters. Flowering from June to August, this plant produces white to light purple ray flowers in small heads 7 to 10 millimeters wide, with delicate petals 5 to 8 millimeters long. Growing 12 to 20 centimeters tall with decumbent to ascending stems that are sparsely hairy and few-branched near the middle, it emerges from a simple taproot. Its basal leaves are distinctive, measuring 2 to 5 centimeters long, oblanceolate to spoon-shaped, and either entire or with occasional small teeth. The plant produces numerous ray flowers, ranging from 75 to 125 per head, creating a delicate and intricate floral display.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 43 sympatric species; key features are very numerous rays (75-125), riparian habitat
Habitat and range
Habitat: Riverbanks, sandy flats, meadows in pine or aspen woodland
Elevation: 1500-2500 m
Bloom period
Erigeron multiceps blooms Jun-Aug.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.2
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 multiceps native to California?
Yes. Erigeron multiceps is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Erigeron multiceps bloom?
Erigeron multiceps blooms Jun-Aug.
What plant family does Erigeron multiceps belong to?
Erigeron multiceps is in the Asteraceae family, genus Erigeron.
Is Erigeron multiceps rare or endangered?
Erigeron multiceps carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.2, state rank S2S3.
What habitat does Erigeron multiceps grow in?
Erigeron multiceps grows in Riverbanks, sandy flats, meadows in pine or aspen woodland.
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.