Eriophyllum confertiflorum var. tanacetiflorum
Tansy-flowered woolly sunflower, Tansy-Flowered Woolly Sunflower
Photo: parent species Eriophyllum confertiflorum · Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Asteraceae · Type: Shrub · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 4.3
Eriophyllum confertiflorum var. tanacetiflorum (Tansy-flowered woolly sunflower) is a native California shrub in the Asteraceae family, recognized by rare (CNPS 4.3) variety with distinctive loose flower clusters.
Tansy-flowered woolly sunflower is a California native shrub found in northern and central Sierra Nevada Foothills in oak woodland at elevations of 600 to 800 meters. Flowering from May to July, this plant produces yellow flowers in loose clusters with 35 to 75 disk flowers. Growing with occasionally near-smooth stems 30 to 50 centimeters tall, it forms a compact shrubby structure. Its leaves are divided into narrow, finely textured segments that contribute to its delicate, woolly appearance. The small fruits are approximately 3.5 to 4 millimeters long, topped with about 8 unequal pappus scales.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Geographically isolated; rare (CNPS 4.3) variety with distinctive loose flower clusters
Habitat and range
Habitat: Oak woodland
Elevation: 600-800 m
Bloom period
Eriophyllum confertiflorum var. tanacetiflorum blooms May-Jul.
Conservation status
CNPS 4.3
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 var. tanacetiflorum native to California?
Yes. Eriophyllum confertiflorum var. tanacetiflorum is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Eriophyllum confertiflorum var. tanacetiflorum bloom?
Eriophyllum confertiflorum var. tanacetiflorum blooms May-Jul.
What plant family does Eriophyllum confertiflorum var. tanacetiflorum belong to?
Eriophyllum confertiflorum var. tanacetiflorum is in the Asteraceae family, genus Eriophyllum.
Is Eriophyllum confertiflorum var. tanacetiflorum rare or endangered?
Eriophyllum confertiflorum var. tanacetiflorum carries California Rare Plant Rank 4.3, state rank S2?.
What habitat does Eriophyllum confertiflorum var. tanacetiflorum grow in?
Eriophyllum confertiflorum var. tanacetiflorum grows in Oak woodland.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
- 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
- Eriophyllum lanatum var. arachnoideum — Common woolly sunflower
- Eriophyllum lanatum var. croceum — Common woolly sunflower
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.