Eriophyllum confertiflorum
Golden-yarrow, yellow-yarrow, Yellow-Yarrow
Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Asteraceae · Type: Shrub · Native
Eriophyllum confertiflorum (Golden-yarrow) is a native California shrub in the Asteraceae family, recognized by Woody; dense flat-topped clusters of many small yellow heads, deeply lobed rolled-under leaves.
Golden-yarrow is a California native shrub found in various bioregions, growing in open habitats at elevations ranging from low to moderate heights. Flowering from March to June, this plant produces bright yellow flower heads with 4 to 6 ray flowers clustered in compact inflorescences. Growing as a subshrub 20 to 70 centimeters tall with a somewhat woody base, it develops multiple stems that spread in a loose, open form. Its leaves are distinctively lobed, measuring 1 to 5 centimeters long, deeply divided into 3 to 5 segments that often curl under and become relatively smooth on the upper surface. The flower heads are small and bell-shaped, with 4 to 7 overlapping green phyllary bracts that give the plant a compact, tidy appearance.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Woody; dense flat-topped clusters of many small yellow heads, deeply lobed rolled-under leaves
How to tell it apart
vs Achillea: Eriophyllum has woolly leaves; Achillea has feathery fern-like leaves and flat-topped white/pink flower clusters.; vs Lasthenia: Eriophyllum has densely woolly leaves; Lasthenia has smooth or sparsely hairy leaves.; vs Monolopia: Eriophyllum rays fall off cleanly; Monolopia rays have a small opposite lobe at base.; vs Artemisia: Eriophyllum has yellow ray flowers; Artemisia has tiny rayless heads and aromatic silver-gray foliage.; vs Pseudognaphalium: Eriophyllum has yellow ray petals; Pseudognaphalium has white/cream rayless everlasting flowers.
Frequently asked questions
Is Eriophyllum confertiflorum native to California?
Yes. Eriophyllum confertiflorum is native to California (recorded as native).
What plant family does Eriophyllum confertiflorum belong to?
Eriophyllum confertiflorum is in the Asteraceae family, genus Eriophyllum.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
- Eriophyllum confertiflorum var. confertiflorum — Golden yarrow
- Eriophyllum confertiflorum var. tanacetiflorum — Tansy-flowered woolly sunflower
- Eriophyllum congdonii — Congdon's woolly sunflower
- Eriophyllum jepsonii — Jepson's woolly sunflower
- Eriophyllum lanatum — Common woolly sunflower
- Eriophyllum lanatum var. achilleoides — Yarrow leaved woolly sunflower
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
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.