Isocoma acradenia var. eremophila
Solitary leaved alkali goldenbush
Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Asteraceae · Type: Subshrub · Native
Isocoma acradenia var. eremophila (Solitary leaved alkali goldenbush) is a native California subshrub in the Asteraceae family, recognized by distinctly toothed/lobed leaves diagnostic.
Solitary leaved alkali goldenbush is a California native shrub found in the Tehachapi, southern Coast Ranges, and desert regions on alkali or gypsum flats and slopes at elevations below 1,300 meters. Flowering from August to November, this plant produces yellow flowers in compact clusters with 12 to 20 individual blooms. Growing to 1.3 meters tall with an upright form, the shrub develops sturdy stems with distinctive foliage. Its leaves are up to 6 centimeters long, featuring 4 to 6 shallow to deep teeth along each margin, creating a subtly serrated appearance. The plant's flower heads have involucres with up to 28 widely rounded phyllary tips arranged in 3 to 5 series.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 6 sympatric species; distinctly toothed/lobed leaves diagnostic
Habitat and range
Habitat: Alkali or gypsum silt on flats or slopes
Elevation: < 1300 m
Outside California: to Utah, Arizona, northwestern Mexico
Bloom period
Isocoma acradenia var. eremophila blooms Aug-Nov.
How to tell it apart
vs Ericameria: Isocoma has randomly arranged bracts; Ericameria has bracts in 5 distinct vertical rows.; vs Hazardia: Isocoma has smooth or slightly hairy stems; Hazardia has densely hairy stems and leaves.; vs Baccharis: Isocoma has yellow bisexual flowers; Baccharis has whitish flowers on separate male/female plants.; vs Heterotheca: Isocoma has only disk flowers; Heterotheca has showy yellow ray flowers around the disk.; vs Eriogonum: Isocoma has yellow composite flowers; Eriogonum has small clustered flowers with colorful sepals but no petals.
Frequently asked questions
Is Isocoma acradenia var. eremophila native to California?
Yes. Isocoma acradenia var. eremophila is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Isocoma acradenia var. eremophila bloom?
Isocoma acradenia var. eremophila blooms Aug-Nov.
What plant family does Isocoma acradenia var. eremophila belong to?
Isocoma acradenia var. eremophila is in the Asteraceae family, genus Isocoma.
What habitat does Isocoma acradenia var. eremophila grow in?
Isocoma acradenia var. eremophila grows in Alkali or gypsum silt on flats or slopes.
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.