Heterotheca sessiliflora subsp. sessiliflora
Beach goldenaster, Beach Goldenaster
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Family: Asteraceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.1
Heterotheca sessiliflora subsp. sessiliflora (Beach goldenaster) is a native California herb in the Asteraceae family, recognized by beach habitat, wavy green leaves, and heads subtended by leafy bracts.
Beach goldenaster is a rare (CNPS 1B.1) California native perennial found in southern Central and Southern Coast bioregions in coastal beaches, dunes, and mud flats at elevations below 60 meters. Flowering from June to September, this plant produces yellow flowers in small heads subtended by leaf-like bracts. Growing with moderately bristly stems generally 10 to 30 centimeters tall, it has a distinctively hairy and glandular appearance. Its leaves are wavy-margined, green, with sparse hairs approximately 1 millimeter long, becoming smaller and reduced toward the stem tips. The plant is notable for its dense strigose (bristly) texture, particularly on its lower portions.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 11 sympatric species; distinguished by beach habitat, wavy green leaves, and heads subtended by leafy bracts
Habitat and range
Habitat: Beaches, dunes, mud flats
Elevation: < 60 m
California counties: Los Angeles, San Diego, Monterey, Santa Clara, Ventura, Orange
Outside California: Baja California
Bloom period
Heterotheca sessiliflora subsp. sessiliflora blooms Jun-Sep.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.1
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. sessiliflora native to California?
Yes. Heterotheca sessiliflora subsp. sessiliflora is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Heterotheca sessiliflora subsp. sessiliflora bloom?
Heterotheca sessiliflora subsp. sessiliflora blooms Jun-Sep.
Where in California does Heterotheca sessiliflora subsp. sessiliflora grow?
Heterotheca sessiliflora subsp. sessiliflora occurs in Los Angeles, San Diego, Monterey, Santa Clara, Ventura, Orange, at elevations of < 60 m.
What plant family does Heterotheca sessiliflora subsp. sessiliflora belong to?
Heterotheca sessiliflora subsp. sessiliflora is in the Asteraceae family, genus Heterotheca.
Is Heterotheca sessiliflora subsp. sessiliflora rare or endangered?
Heterotheca sessiliflora subsp. sessiliflora carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.1, state rank S1.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CNPS Rare Plant Inventory · Index of California Plant Names · 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.