Hymenopappus filifolius
Columbia cutleaf
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Family: Asteraceae · Type: Subshrub · Native
Hymenopappus filifolius (Columbia cutleaf) is a native California subshrub in the Asteraceae family, recognized by Only Hymenopappus in CA; discoid heads; leaves 2-pinnate into thread-like segments; white-scarious phyllary margins.
Columbia cutleaf is a California native perennial herb found in dry, open habitats at elevations typically ranging from 500 to 2,000 meters. Flowering from May to July, this plant produces delicate white or yellow flowers in small clustered heads approximately 1 to 2 centimeters wide. Growing 20 to 100 centimeters tall with an upright habit, it develops slender stems that are nearly hairless to densely woolly. Its distinctive basal leaves are intricately 2-pinnately divided into numerous fine, thread-like segments 2 to 5 millimeters long, creating a feathery, lacy appearance. The fruit is small, 3 to 7 millimeters long, and covered in short, dense hairs.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Only Hymenopappus in CA; discoid heads; leaves 2-pinnate into thread-like segments; white-scarious phyllary margins
How to tell it apart
vs Chaenactis: Hymenopappus is perennial with 12-22 seed scales; Chaenactis is typically annual with fewer seed scales.; vs Pseudognaphalium: Hymenopappus has finely divided leaves and papery flower bracts; Pseudognaphalium has simple, woolly-white leaves.; vs Trichoptilium: Hymenopappus has 12-22 blunt seed scales; Trichoptilium has feathery bristles instead of scales.; vs Carlquistia: Hymenopappus is perennial with papery flower bracts; Carlquistia is a small alpine cushion plant.; vs Raillardella: Hymenopappus has finely divided feathery leaves; Raillardella has simple, undivided leaves.
Frequently asked questions
Is Hymenopappus filifolius native to California?
Yes. Hymenopappus filifolius is native to California (recorded as native).
What plant family does Hymenopappus filifolius belong to?
Hymenopappus filifolius is in the Asteraceae family, genus Hymenopappus.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · 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.