Heterotheca sessiliflora subsp. fastigiata
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Family: Asteraceae · Type: Herb · Native
Heterotheca sessiliflora subsp. fastigiata is a native California herb in the Asteraceae family, recognized by wavy-margined, stiff whitish leaves and short hairs.
Heterotheca sessiliflora subspecies fastigiata is a California native perennial found in southern coastal, Transverse, Peninsular Ranges, and western desert regions in oak woodland, pine forest, and desert washes at elevations of 100 to 2,200 meters. Flowering from July to October, this plant produces yellow flowers in heads with 20 to 40 disk flowers. Growing with densely hairy stems 10 to 30 centimeters tall, it has a distinctive appearance with stiff, wavy-margined leaves that become smaller toward the stem tips. Its leaves are notably white-appearing with hairs approximately 1 millimeter long, giving the plant a soft, textured appearance. When found in desert washes, this plant represents a rare and resilient botanical species adapted to challenging environmental conditions.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 5 sympatric species; distinguished by wavy-margined, stiff whitish leaves and short hairs
Habitat and range
Habitat: Oak woodland, pine forest, desert washes (rare)
Elevation: 100-2200 m
Bloom period
Heterotheca sessiliflora subsp. fastigiata 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 sessiliflora subsp. fastigiata native to California?
Yes. Heterotheca sessiliflora subsp. fastigiata is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Heterotheca sessiliflora subsp. fastigiata bloom?
Heterotheca sessiliflora subsp. fastigiata blooms Jul-Oct.
What plant family does Heterotheca sessiliflora subsp. fastigiata belong to?
Heterotheca sessiliflora subsp. fastigiata is in the Asteraceae family, genus Heterotheca.
What habitat does Heterotheca sessiliflora subsp. fastigiata grow in?
Heterotheca sessiliflora subsp. fastigiata grows in Oak woodland, pine forest, desert washes (rare).
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.