Gutierrezia sarothrae
Matchweed, Matchweed
(c) W. Terry Hunefeld, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by W. Terry Hunefeld · licence
Family: Asteraceae · Type: Shrub · Native
Gutierrezia sarothrae (Matchweed) is a native California shrub in the Asteraceae family, recognized by . Distinguished by intermediate head size (6-14 flowered), cylindrical involucre, and broad elevational range.
Matchweed is a California native shrub found in southern coastal, western Transverse, Peninsular, and desert bioregions in grassland, desert, and montane areas at elevations of 50 to 3,050 meters. Flowering from May to October, this plant produces yellow flowers in small heads 6 to 14 millimeters long, arranged in clusters of 2 to 5. Growing 1 to 6 decimeters tall with sprawling or upright stems that are brown at the base and green or tan above, it forms distinctive clumps. Its leaves are a mix of single lance-linear leaves and clustered thread-like leaves, creating a delicate, sparse appearance. The plant's compact size and ability to thrive in diverse habitats from coastal to desert environments make it a resilient and adaptable species.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 2 sympatric species. Distinguished by intermediate head size (6-14 flowered), cylindrical involucre, and broad elevational range
Habitat and range
Habitat: Grassland, desert, montane areas
Elevation: 50-3050 m
Outside California: to Washington, south-central Canada, central United States, northern Mexico
Bloom period
Gutierrezia sarothrae blooms May-Oct.
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 sarothrae native to California?
Yes. Gutierrezia sarothrae is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Gutierrezia sarothrae bloom?
Gutierrezia sarothrae blooms May-Oct.
What plant family does Gutierrezia sarothrae belong to?
Gutierrezia sarothrae is in the Asteraceae family, genus Gutierrezia.
What habitat does Gutierrezia sarothrae grow in?
Gutierrezia sarothrae grows in Grassland, desert, montane areas.
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.