Heliomeris multiflora var. nevadensis
Nevada goldeneye, Nevada Goldeneye
(c) Andrey Zharkikh, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Asteraceae · Type: Herb · Native
Heliomeris multiflora var. nevadensis (Nevada goldeneye) is a native California herb in the Asteraceae family, recognized by Range edge species - genus extends from California eastward to Utah, New Mexico, and northern Mexico, with this the only representative….
Nevada goldeneye is a California native perennial found in the eastern Sierra Nevada and desert mountains in dry, rocky slopes and upland valleys at elevations of 1,200 to 2,500 meters. Flowering from May to September, this plant produces bright yellow flowers with ray petals 15 to 20 millimeters long in distinctive heads approximately 7 to 13 millimeters wide. Growing with slender erect or spreading stems 30 to 90 centimeters tall that are glabrous or finely hairy, it emerges from a branched, woody rootstock. Its leaves are narrow and linear to oblong, 2 to 6 centimeters long, with stiff hairs near the base and obtuse to acute tips. The fruit is small, approximately 2 millimeters long, with yellow disk flower anthers adding to its golden appearance.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Range edge species - genus extends from California eastward to Utah, New Mexico, and northern Mexico, with this the only representative reaching California's desert mountains
Habitat and range
Habitat: Dry, rocky slopes, upland valleys
Elevation: (800)1200-2500 m
Outside California: to Utah, New Mexico, northern Mexico
Bloom period
Heliomeris multiflora var. nevadensis blooms May-Sep.
How to tell it apart
vs Helianthus: Heliomeris seeds have no fuzzy crown at all; Helianthus seeds have white scales (even if they fall off).; vs Eriophyllum: Heliomeris has larger flower heads with smooth seeds; Eriophyllum is smaller with woolly foliage.; vs Viguiera: Heliomeris lacks any seed crown; Viguiera has persistent white scales on seeds.; vs Bahiopsis: Heliomeris seeds are completely bare; Bahiopsis seeds have persistent white scales.; vs Rudbeckia: Heliomeris has a flat flower center; Rudbeckia has a tall cone-shaped dark center.
Frequently asked questions
Is Heliomeris multiflora var. nevadensis native to California?
Yes. Heliomeris multiflora var. nevadensis is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Heliomeris multiflora var. nevadensis bloom?
Heliomeris multiflora var. nevadensis blooms May-Sep.
What plant family does Heliomeris multiflora var. nevadensis belong to?
Heliomeris multiflora var. nevadensis is in the Asteraceae family, genus Heliomeris.
What habitat does Heliomeris multiflora var. nevadensis grow in?
Heliomeris multiflora var. nevadensis grows in Dry, rocky slopes, upland valleys.
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.