Eriophyllum lanatum var. lanceolatum
Common woolly sunflower
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Family: Asteraceae · Type: Subshrub · Native
Eriophyllum lanatum var. lanceolatum (Common woolly sunflower) is a native California subshrub in the Asteraceae family, recognized by thick leaves with flat margins distinguish from other varieties.
Common woolly sunflower is a California native perennial found in the Klamath Ranges and northern coastal redwood habitats in dry, rocky oak and conifer forest at elevations of 200 to 2,200 meters. Flowering from May to August, this plant produces bright yellow flowers in solitary heads 8 to 12 millimeters wide with 10 to 15 ray flowers each 7 to 10 millimeters long. Growing with slender stems 15 to 45 centimeters tall, it forms a short-lived perennial herb with a compact growth habit. Its leaves are 2 to 4 centimeters long, lanceolate to ovate, thick and densely woolly, with edges that are entire or coarsely serrate. The small fruits are 2 to 3 millimeters long and covered in fine hairs.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 6 sympatric species; thick leaves with flat margins distinguish from other varieties
Habitat and range
Habitat: Dry, rocky oak/conifer forest
Elevation: 200-2200 m
Outside California: Oregon
Bloom period
Eriophyllum lanatum var. lanceolatum blooms May-Aug.
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 lanatum var. lanceolatum native to California?
Yes. Eriophyllum lanatum var. lanceolatum is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Eriophyllum lanatum var. lanceolatum bloom?
Eriophyllum lanatum var. lanceolatum blooms May-Aug.
What plant family does Eriophyllum lanatum var. lanceolatum belong to?
Eriophyllum lanatum var. lanceolatum is in the Asteraceae family, genus Eriophyllum.
What habitat does Eriophyllum lanatum var. lanceolatum grow in?
Eriophyllum lanatum var. lanceolatum grows in Dry, rocky oak/conifer forest.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
- Eriophyllum lanatum var. obovatum — Southern sierra woolly sunflower
- Eriophyllum lanosum — White easter bonnets
- Eriophyllum latilobum — San mateo woolly sunflower
- Eriophyllum mohavense — Barstow woolly sunflower
- Eriophyllum multicaule — Many-stem woolly sunflower
- Eriophyllum nubigenum — Yosemite 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.