Gutierrezia californica
California matchweed
Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Asteraceae · Type: Subshrub · Native
Gutierrezia californica (California matchweed) is a native California subshrub in the Asteraceae family, recognized by . Distinguished by largest heads (8-20 flowered vs 1-3 or 6-14), bell-shaped involucre, and coastal distribution.
California matchweed is a California native shrub found in northern and central coastal regions, San Joaquin Valley, coastal and southern California, Transverse Ranges, and Peninsular Ranges in grassland, arid woodland, and shrubland habitats at elevations below 1,600 meters. Flowering from July to November, this plant produces yellow flowers in small heads with 4 to 13 ray flowers. Growing 20 to 100 centimeters tall with sprawling to erect stems that can be slightly reddish, it forms a loose, open shrub structure. Its leaves are narrow and linear, typical of drought-adapted plants in arid landscapes. The fruit is small, measuring 1 to 2.8 millimeters long, and contributes to the plant's delicate appearance.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 2 sympatric species. Distinguished by largest heads (8-20 flowered vs 1-3 or 6-14), bell-shaped involucre, and coastal distribution
Habitat and range
Habitat: Grassland, arid woodland and shrubland, sometimes on serpentine
Elevation: < 1600 m
Outside California: northwestern Baja California
Bloom period
Gutierrezia californica blooms Jul-Nov.
How to tell it apart
vs Ericameria: Ericameria has twisted bristly pappus; Gutierrezia has flat straight scales on seeds.; vs Pectis: Pectis is herbaceous annual; Gutierrezia is a woody perennial shrub.; vs Eriophyllum: Eriophyllum has woolly leaves; Gutierrezia has smooth narrow leaves.; vs Amphiachyris: Amphiachyris has spreading-hairy stems; Gutierrezia has smooth or minutely hairy stems.; vs Chrysothamnus: Chrysothamnus has larger flower heads with 5+ rays; Gutierrezia has tiny heads with 1-8 rays.
Frequently asked questions
Is Gutierrezia californica native to California?
Yes. Gutierrezia californica is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Gutierrezia californica bloom?
Gutierrezia californica blooms Jul-Nov.
What plant family does Gutierrezia californica belong to?
Gutierrezia californica is in the Asteraceae family, genus Gutierrezia.
What habitat does Gutierrezia californica grow in?
Gutierrezia californica grows in Grassland, arid woodland and shrubland, sometimes on serpentine.
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.