Eriophyllum latilobum
San mateo woolly sunflower, San Mateo Woolly Sunflower
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Family: Asteraceae · Type: Subshrub · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.1 · Endangered
Eriophyllum latilobum (San mateo woolly sunflower) is a native California subshrub in the Asteraceae family, recognized by extremely rare (1B.1) with unique diamond-shaped deeply lobed leaves.
San mateo woolly sunflower is a rare (CNPS 1B.1) California native shrub found in central western San Francisco Bay region in San Mateo County, specifically in oak woodland at elevations of 100 to 150 meters. Flowering from May to June, this plant produces yellow sunflower-like heads with ray flowers 6 to 10 millimeters long in clusters of 1 to 10 flower heads. Growing 20 to 50 centimeters tall with subshrub characteristics, it develops woody stems that become increasingly glabrous with age. Its distinctive leaves are 2 to 6 centimeters long, diamond-shaped to roughly obovate, with deeply triangular lobes and a thin, glabrous upper surface. The fruit is 3 to 4 millimeters long with generally strigose angles and a minimal pappus.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Geographically isolated; extremely rare (1B.1) with unique diamond-shaped deeply lobed leaves
Habitat and range
Habitat: Generally oak woodland
Elevation: 100-150 m
Bloom period
Eriophyllum latilobum blooms May-Jun.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.1 · Endangered
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 latilobum native to California?
Yes. Eriophyllum latilobum is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Eriophyllum latilobum bloom?
Eriophyllum latilobum blooms May-Jun.
What plant family does Eriophyllum latilobum belong to?
Eriophyllum latilobum is in the Asteraceae family, genus Eriophyllum.
Is Eriophyllum latilobum rare or endangered?
Eriophyllum latilobum carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.1, state rank S1.
What habitat does Eriophyllum latilobum grow in?
Eriophyllum latilobum grows in Generally oak 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.