Gutierrezia microcephala
Sticky snakeweed, Sticky Snakeweed
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Family: Asteraceae · Type: Shrub · Native
Gutierrezia microcephala (Sticky snakeweed) is a native California shrub in the Asteraceae family, recognized by . Distinguished by smallest heads (1-3 flowered), spherical growth form, and desert/montane distribution.
Sticky snakeweed is a California native shrub found in southern California, San Bernardino Mountains, Peninsular Ranges, eastern Sierra Nevada, and desert regions in grassland, sand dunes, and desert scrub at elevations of 700 to 2,500 meters. Flowering from July to November, this plant produces small yellow flowers in compact heads with 1 to 2 ray flowers and 1 to 2 disk flowers. Growing as a much-branched plant 20 to 60 centimeters tall, it forms an almost spherical shape with stems that are brown at the base and yellow or green toward the top. Its leaves are thin and linear, resembling delicate threads that spread throughout the plant's dense branching structure. The small flower heads cluster in groups of 5 to 6 at the tips of secondary branches, creating a distinctive compact appearance.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 2 sympatric species. Distinguished by smallest heads (1-3 flowered), spherical growth form, and desert/montane distribution
Habitat and range
Habitat: Grassland, sand dunes, desert scrub
Elevation: 700-2500 m
Outside California: to Colorado, Texas, central Mexico
Bloom period
Gutierrezia microcephala 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 microcephala native to California?
Yes. Gutierrezia microcephala is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Gutierrezia microcephala bloom?
Gutierrezia microcephala blooms Jul-Nov.
What plant family does Gutierrezia microcephala belong to?
Gutierrezia microcephala is in the Asteraceae family, genus Gutierrezia.
What habitat does Gutierrezia microcephala grow in?
Gutierrezia microcephala grows in Grassland, sand dunes, desert scrub.
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.