Hulsea vestita subsp. gabrielensis
San gabriel mountains sunflower, San Gabriel Mountains Sunflower
Photo: parent species Hulsea vestita · Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Asteraceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 4.3
Hulsea vestita subsp. gabrielensis (San gabriel mountains sunflower) is a native California herb in the Asteraceae family, recognized by size, red petioles, and ray coloration.
San gabriel mountains sunflower is a rare California native (CNPS 4.3) perennial found in eastern Transverse Ranges and San Gabriel Mountains on open gravel, talus slopes, chaparral, and montane forest at elevations of 1,500 to 2,500 meters. Flowering from April to August, this plant produces yellow to orange disk flowers with ray flowers that are 6 to 8 millimeters long and subtly red-tinged at the base. Growing to less than 50 centimeters tall with reddish petioles and a compact form, it develops basal leaves that are weakly scalloped and gradually tapered with woolly undersides. Its leaves feature distinctive reddish petioles shorter than the leaf blade, with basal leaves that are softly woolly and gently curved. The plant's flower heads have phyllary tips delicately tinged with red, adding a subtle chromatic accent to its alpine and chaparral habitats.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 3 sympatric species; distinguished by size, red petioles, and ray coloration
Habitat and range
Habitat: Open gravel, talus slopes, chaparral, montane forest
Elevation: 1500-2500 m
Bloom period
Hulsea vestita subsp. gabrielensis blooms Apr-Aug.
Conservation status
CNPS 4.3
How to tell it apart
vs Bahiopsis: Hulsea leaves are never woody-based shrubs like Bahiopsis; check if plant is herbaceous and high-elevation.; vs Encelia: Hulsea is sticky-glandular throughout; Encelia has dry, often silvery leaves without glandular hairs.; vs Heterotheca: Hulsea has exactly 4 seed scales in unequal pairs; Heterotheca has numerous bristly pappus.; vs Gaillardia: Hulsea leaves are entire to shallowly lobed; Gaillardia has deeply divided, dissected leaves.; vs Hymenoxys: Hulsea leaves are entire to shallowly lobed; Hymenoxys has deeply dissected, feathery leaves.
Frequently asked questions
Is Hulsea vestita subsp. gabrielensis native to California?
Yes. Hulsea vestita subsp. gabrielensis is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Hulsea vestita subsp. gabrielensis bloom?
Hulsea vestita subsp. gabrielensis blooms Apr-Aug.
What plant family does Hulsea vestita subsp. gabrielensis belong to?
Hulsea vestita subsp. gabrielensis is in the Asteraceae family, genus Hulsea.
Is Hulsea vestita subsp. gabrielensis rare or endangered?
Hulsea vestita subsp. gabrielensis carries California Rare Plant Rank 4.3, state rank S3.
What habitat does Hulsea vestita subsp. gabrielensis grow in?
Hulsea vestita subsp. gabrielensis grows in Open gravel, talus slopes, chaparral, montane forest.
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.