Euthamia occidentalis
Western goldenrod, Western Goldenrod
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Family: Asteraceae · Type: Herb · Native
Euthamia occidentalis (Western goldenrod) is a native California herb in the Asteraceae family, recognized by Range edge species - genus is primarily eastern North American with this being the sole western representative.
Western goldenrod is a California native perennial found in marshes, streambanks, and meadows throughout California at elevations up to 2,300 meters. Flowering from July to November, this plant produces yellow flowers in large panicle-like or flat-topped clusters with 15 to 28 ray flowers. Growing up to 2 meters tall with smooth stems that are sometimes slightly white, it develops dense, branching inflorescences with ascending branches. Its leaves are narrow, less than 10 centimeters long and typically no wider than 6 millimeters, with proximal leaves deciduous and middle leaves being the largest. The compact flower heads feature involucres 3 to 5 millimeters long, with phyllaries arranged in 3 to 4 distinct series.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Range edge species - genus is primarily eastern North American with this being the sole western representative
Habitat and range
Habitat: Marshes, streambanks, meadows
Elevation: < 2300 m
Outside California: to western Canada, north-central United States, New Mexico, northern Baja California
Bloom period
Euthamia occidentalis blooms Jul-Nov.
How to tell it apart
vs Solidago: Euthamia has flat-topped clusters and grass-like leaves in wetlands; Solidago has one-sided plumes in drier areas.; vs Isocoma: Euthamia grows in wetlands with flat clusters; Isocoma grows in dry areas with rounded clusters.; vs Ericameria: Euthamia has grass-like leaves in marshes; Ericameria has narrow shrubby leaves in dry habitats.; vs Baccharis: Euthamia has yellow flower heads with rays; Baccharis has white/cream heads without rays.; vs Senecio: Euthamia has tiny heads in flat clusters; Senecio has larger daisy-like heads with obvious rays.
Frequently asked questions
Is Euthamia occidentalis native to California?
Yes. Euthamia occidentalis is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Euthamia occidentalis bloom?
Euthamia occidentalis blooms Jul-Nov.
What plant family does Euthamia occidentalis belong to?
Euthamia occidentalis is in the Asteraceae family, genus Euthamia.
What habitat does Euthamia occidentalis grow in?
Euthamia occidentalis grows in Marshes, streambanks, meadows.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
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.