Erigeron nivalis
Snow fleabane daisy, Snow Fleabane Daisy
(c) Trevor Van Loon, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Trevor Van Loon · licence
Family: Asteraceae · Type: Perennial · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 2B.3
Erigeron nivalis (Snow fleabane daisy) is a native California perennial in the Asteraceae family, recognized by two series of rays, equal green bracts, high elevation.
Snow fleabane daisy is a rare (CNPS 2B.3) California native perennial found in the Cascade Range in volcanic meadows and rocky areas at elevations of 2,700 to 2,900 meters. Flowering from July to August, this plant produces white to pink ray flowers in heads 8 to 11 millimeters wide, with delicate rays 3 to 4.5 millimeters long. Growing 10 to 35 centimeters tall with sparsely hairy stems that have stalked glandular features, it develops from a taproot or fibrous root system. Its leaves range from 3 to 8 centimeters at the base, becoming gradually smaller up the stem, with a sparse rough-hairy texture. The plant forms 1 to 8 flower heads in a relatively flat-topped cluster, creating a delicate alpine display.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 21 sympatric species; key features are two series of rays, equal green bracts, high elevation
Habitat and range
Habitat: Volcanic rocks, meadows
Elevation: 2700-2900 m
Outside California: to Alaska, Colorado
Bloom period
Erigeron nivalis blooms Jul-Aug.
Conservation status
CNPS 2B.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 nivalis native to California?
Yes. Erigeron nivalis is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Erigeron nivalis bloom?
Erigeron nivalis blooms Jul-Aug.
What plant family does Erigeron nivalis belong to?
Erigeron nivalis is in the Asteraceae family, genus Erigeron.
Is Erigeron nivalis rare or endangered?
Erigeron nivalis carries California Rare Plant Rank 2B.3, state rank S3.
What habitat does Erigeron nivalis grow in?
Erigeron nivalis grows in Volcanic rocks, meadows.
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 2026-10-06
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.