Heteranthemis viscidihirta
Sand chrysanthemum
(c) Duarte Frade, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Asteraceae · Type: Herb · Not Native
Heteranthemis viscidihirta (Sand chrysanthemum) is a non-native California herb in the Asteraceae family, recognized by European/North African introduction restricted to coastal sandy habitats, representing the only species of this Mediterranean genus….
Sand chrysanthemum is a naturalized annual found in the Central Coast bioregion near coastal sandy soils at elevations below 100 meters. Flowering from March to June, this plant produces radiant yellow ray flowers 2 to 2.5 centimeters long alongside yellow disk flowers in distinctive clusters. Growing with erect, glandular stems 20 to 80 centimeters tall that are slightly sticky and few-branched, it has a scattered branching habit. Its leaves are alternately arranged, with lower leaves 4 to 6 centimeters long and oblanceolate, coarsely pinnately lobed and toothed, while upper leaves are shorter, oblong, and clasping. The fruit develops with triangular, winged structures tipped with spine-like projections.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: European/North African introduction restricted to coastal sandy habitats, representing the only species of this Mediterranean genus established in California
Habitat and range
Habitat: Uncommon. Sandy soil near coast, disturbed sites
Elevation: < 100 m
Outside California: native to southwestern Europe, northern Africa
Bloom period
Heteranthemis viscidihirta blooms (Jan)Mar-Jun(Oct).
How to tell it apart
vs Venegasia: Heteranthemis is sticky annual; Venegasia is non-sticky woody shrub.; vs Arctotheca: Heteranthemis is sticky with papery bracts; Arctotheca has white-woolly leaf undersides, not sticky.; vs Tanacetum: Heteranthemis is sticky-glandular throughout; Tanacetum lacks glandular stickiness.; vs Glebionis: Heteranthemis is sticky-glandular; Glebionis is non-sticky with fern-like leaves.; vs Gutierrezia: Heteranthemis is sticky annual with toothed leaves; Gutierrezia is non-sticky perennial with narrow entire leaves.
Frequently asked questions
Is Heteranthemis viscidihirta native to California?
No. Heteranthemis viscidihirta is not native to California (recorded as not native).
When does Heteranthemis viscidihirta bloom?
Heteranthemis viscidihirta blooms (Jan)Mar-Jun(Oct).
What plant family does Heteranthemis viscidihirta belong to?
Heteranthemis viscidihirta is in the Asteraceae family, genus Heteranthemis.
What habitat does Heteranthemis viscidihirta grow in?
Heteranthemis viscidihirta grows in Uncommon. Sandy soil near coast, disturbed sites.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · 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.