Heterotheca oregona var. scaberrima
Oregon false goldenaster
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Family: Asteraceae · Type: Subshrub · Native
Heterotheca oregona var. scaberrima (Oregon false goldenaster) is a native California subshrub in the Asteraceae family, recognized by much-branched inflorescence and scabrous leaves.
Oregon false goldenaster is a California native perennial found in the San Joaquin Valley and central western California in seasonally dry streambeds at elevations of 100 to 700 meters. Flowering from July to October, this plant produces yellow flowers in much-branched clusters with distinctive ovate-deltate outer phyllaries. Growing with sparsely branched stems reaching up to moderate heights, it develops a somewhat scattered growth habit. Its leaves are small and narrow, less than 13 millimeters long and under 3 millimeters wide, with a slightly rough and glandular texture. The plant's compact form and delicate branch structure make it well-adapted to its seasonal streambed habitat.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Co-occurs with 7 species; distinguished by much-branched inflorescence and scabrous leaves
Habitat and range
Habitat: Seasonally dry streambeds
Elevation: 100-700 m
Bloom period
Heterotheca oregona var. scaberrima blooms Jul-Oct.
How to tell it apart
vs Grindelia: Heterotheca has multi-layered bracts; Grindelia bracts curve backward and flower buds are sticky-resinous.; vs Isocoma: Heterotheca has conspicuous yellow ray petals; Isocoma has only disk flowers (no rays).; vs Erigeron: Heterotheca rays are yellow and 3-12mm; Erigeron rays are white/purple/pink and typically numerous.; vs Laennecia: Heterotheca has showy 3-12mm yellow rays; Laennecia has tiny inconspicuous white rays.; vs Verbascum: Heterotheca has composite flower heads with bracts; Verbascum has simple 5-petaled flowers on tall spikes.
Frequently asked questions
Is Heterotheca oregona var. scaberrima native to California?
Yes. Heterotheca oregona var. scaberrima is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Heterotheca oregona var. scaberrima bloom?
Heterotheca oregona var. scaberrima blooms Jul-Oct.
What plant family does Heterotheca oregona var. scaberrima belong to?
Heterotheca oregona var. scaberrima is in the Asteraceae family, genus Heterotheca.
What habitat does Heterotheca oregona var. scaberrima grow in?
Heterotheca oregona var. scaberrima grows in Seasonally dry streambeds.
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.