Eriophyllum mohavense
Barstow woolly sunflower
(c) Matt Berger, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Matt Berger · licence
Family: Asteraceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.2
Eriophyllum mohavense (Barstow woolly sunflower) is a native California herb in the Asteraceae family, recognized by extremely small size and complete lack of ray flowers.
Barstow woolly sunflower is a rare (CNPS 1B.2) California native annual found in the Mojave Desert in creosote-bush scrub at elevations of 500 to 800 meters. Flowering from April to May, this plant produces yellow flowers in small, nearly sessile heads without ray flowers. Growing as a tiny, tufted annual just 1 to 2.5 centimeters tall, it spreads in loose, white-woolly clusters across the desert floor. Its small leaves, 3 to 10 millimeters long, are spoon- to wedge-shaped and may have 2 to 3 pointed lobes. The plant's distinctive involucre is 3 to 4 millimeters tall with 3 to 4 acute phyllaries, creating a delicate, compact structure in the harsh desert landscape.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 5 sympatric species; extremely small size and complete lack of ray flowers is diagnostic
Habitat and range
Habitat: Creosote-bush scrub
Elevation: 500-800 m
Bloom period
Eriophyllum mohavense blooms Apr-May.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.2
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 mohavense native to California?
Yes. Eriophyllum mohavense is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Eriophyllum mohavense bloom?
Eriophyllum mohavense blooms Apr-May.
What plant family does Eriophyllum mohavense belong to?
Eriophyllum mohavense is in the Asteraceae family, genus Eriophyllum.
Is Eriophyllum mohavense rare or endangered?
Eriophyllum mohavense carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.2, state rank S2.
What habitat does Eriophyllum mohavense grow in?
Eriophyllum mohavense grows in Creosote-bush scrub.
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.