Helianthus nuttallii subsp. parishii
Los angeles sunflower, Los Angeles Sunflower
(c) Steve Matson, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Asteraceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1A
Helianthus nuttallii subsp. parishii (Los angeles sunflower) is a native California herb in the Asteraceae family, recognized by extinct subspecies.
Los angeles sunflower is a rare (CNPS 1A) California native perennial found in central western southwestern California in marsh habitats at elevations below 500 meters. Flowering from August to October, this plant produces yellow flowers in large sunflower-like heads with distinctive hairy characteristics. Growing with stems that range from smooth to densely woolly, it reaches heights typical of marsh-dwelling perennials. Its leaves are notably rough-textured, with upper surfaces feeling hairy and lower surfaces covered in fine, soft tomentose hair. The plant's densely hairy flower stalks and phyllaries contribute to its distinctive marsh-dwelling appearance.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Geographically isolated; extinct subspecies
Habitat and range
Habitat: Marshes
Elevation: < 500 m
Bloom period
Helianthus nuttallii subsp. parishii blooms Aug-Oct.
Conservation status
CNPS 1A
How to tell it apart
vs Encelia: Helianthus is herbaceous with soft stems; Encelia is a woody shrub with persistent branches.; vs Bahiopsis: Helianthus has soft herbaceous stems; Bahiopsis is woody-based with persistent woody stems.; vs Wyethia: Helianthus has smaller disk flowers and readily falling seed scales; Wyethia has very large 8-12mm disk flowers.; vs Rudbeckia: Helianthus has a flat or rounded yellow center; Rudbeckia has a tall dark cone-shaped center.; vs Venegasia: Helianthus dies back to ground level; Venegasia is a large evergreen shrub in shaded canyons.
Frequently asked questions
Is Helianthus nuttallii subsp. parishii native to California?
Yes. Helianthus nuttallii subsp. parishii is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Helianthus nuttallii subsp. parishii bloom?
Helianthus nuttallii subsp. parishii blooms Aug-Oct.
What plant family does Helianthus nuttallii subsp. parishii belong to?
Helianthus nuttallii subsp. parishii is in the Asteraceae family, genus Helianthus.
Is Helianthus nuttallii subsp. parishii rare or endangered?
Helianthus nuttallii subsp. parishii carries California Rare Plant Rank 1A, state rank SX.
What habitat does Helianthus nuttallii subsp. parishii grow in?
Helianthus nuttallii subsp. parishii grows in Marshes.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · 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.