Holocarpha virgata subsp. elongata
Graceful tarplant, Graceful Tarplant
Photo: parent species Holocarpha virgata · Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Asteraceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 4.2
Holocarpha virgata subsp. elongata (Graceful tarplant) is a native California herb in the Asteraceae family, recognized by 1 sympatric subspecies; flexible upcurved branches vs rigid straight branches.
Graceful tarplant is a California native annual herb ranked 4.2 by CNPS, found in central and southern California coastal regions including the Peninsular Ranges, locally occurring in grassland habitats at elevations below 900 meters. Flowering from July to November, this plant produces yellow flowers in distinctive heads with ray and disk flowers creating a delicate, intricate appearance. Growing with slender stems 15 to 45 centimeters tall, the plant develops branches that are notably pliable and slightly curved upward. Its leaves are narrow and sparse, providing a light, airy texture to the plant's overall structure. The inflorescence emerges on peduncles ranging from essentially sessile to 5 centimeters long, contributing to the plant's graceful and elegant form.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 1 sympatric subspecies; flexible upcurved branches vs rigid straight branches
Habitat and range
Habitat: Grassland
Elevation: < 900 m
Bloom period
Holocarpha virgata subsp. elongata blooms Jul-Nov.
Conservation status
CNPS 4.2
How to tell it apart
vs Deinandra: Holocarpha has pit-gland-tipped stalk bracts; Deinandra stalk bracts lack pit glands.; vs Madia: Holocarpha has pit glands on stalk bracts; Madia lacks these distinctive pit glands.; vs Hemizonia: Holocarpha has pit-gland-tipped stalk bracts; Hemizonia stalk bracts lack pit glands.; vs Heterotheca: Holocarpha has yellow rays and pit-gland bracts; Heterotheca lacks pit glands, different flower structure.; vs Centromadia: Holocarpha has pit-gland-tipped stalk bracts; Centromadia lacks pit glands on bracts.
Frequently asked questions
Is Holocarpha virgata subsp. elongata native to California?
Yes. Holocarpha virgata subsp. elongata is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Holocarpha virgata subsp. elongata bloom?
Holocarpha virgata subsp. elongata blooms Jul-Nov.
What plant family does Holocarpha virgata subsp. elongata belong to?
Holocarpha virgata subsp. elongata is in the Asteraceae family, genus Holocarpha.
Is Holocarpha virgata subsp. elongata rare or endangered?
Holocarpha virgata subsp. elongata carries California Rare Plant Rank 4.2, state rank S3.
What habitat does Holocarpha virgata subsp. elongata grow in?
Holocarpha virgata subsp. elongata grows in Grassland.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · 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.