Hymenopappus filifolius var. eriopodus
Hairy-podded fine-leaf hymenopappus, Hairy-Podded Fine-Leaf Hymenopappus
Photo: parent species Hymenopappus filifolius · no rights reserved, uploaded by Robbie Hannawacker · CC0
Family: Asteraceae · Type: Subshrub · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 2B.3
Hymenopappus filifolius var. eriopodus (Hairy-podded fine-leaf hymenopappus) is a native California subshrub in the Asteraceae family, recognized by 2 sympatric varieties; key features are habitat, flower color, leaf width, and stem leaf appearance.
Hairy-podded fine-leaf hymenopappus is a rare California native perennial ranked 2B.3 by CNPS, found in the eastern desert mountains including Clark and New York Mountains in limestone pinyon and juniper woodland at elevations of 1,600 to 1,700 meters. Flowering from May to June and October, this plant produces white flowers in heads 3 to 8, with phyllaries 7 to 10 millimeters long. Growing 40 to 80 centimeters tall with stems that are woolly near the base and becoming smoother toward the top, it has a distinctive growth habit. Its finely divided basal leaves are 10 to 20 centimeters long, with thread-like segments 10 to 20 millimeters long and less than one millimeter wide, creating a delicate, lacy appearance. The fruit is 5.5 to 6 millimeters long and evenly covered with soft hairs 0.5 to 1.5 millimeters in length.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 2 sympatric varieties; key features are habitat, flower color, leaf width, and stem leaf appearance
Habitat and range
Habitat: Limestone soil, pinyon/juniper woodland
Elevation: 1600-1700 m
Outside California: southern Nevada, southwestern Utah
Bloom period
Hymenopappus filifolius var. eriopodus blooms May-Jun, Oct.
Conservation status
CNPS 2B.3
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 var. eriopodus native to California?
Yes. Hymenopappus filifolius var. eriopodus is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Hymenopappus filifolius var. eriopodus bloom?
Hymenopappus filifolius var. eriopodus blooms May-Jun, Oct.
What plant family does Hymenopappus filifolius var. eriopodus belong to?
Hymenopappus filifolius var. eriopodus is in the Asteraceae family, genus Hymenopappus.
Is Hymenopappus filifolius var. eriopodus rare or endangered?
Hymenopappus filifolius var. eriopodus carries California Rare Plant Rank 2B.3, state rank S2S3.
What habitat does Hymenopappus filifolius var. eriopodus grow in?
Hymenopappus filifolius var. eriopodus grows in Limestone soil, pinyon/juniper woodland.
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.