Laphamia megalocephala var. oligophylla
Small-leaved rock daisy
(c) Steve Matson, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Steve Matson · licence
Family: Asteraceae · Type: Subshrub · Native
Laphamia megalocephala var. oligophylla (Small-leaved rock daisy) is a native California subshrub in the Asteraceae family, recognized by intermediate leaf width and fewer leaves distinguish from congeners.
Small-leaved rock daisy is a California native shrub found in western Inyo and northern Desert Mountains in bare rocky outcrops and cliffs within pinyon and juniper woodland at elevations of 1,300 to 2,600 meters. Flowering from July to October, this plant produces yellow to white flowers in heads 3.5 to 7.5 millimeters in diameter. Growing with compact stems 15 to 35 centimeters tall, it forms a dense, low-profile shrublet. Its leaves are few in number, linear to lance-shaped, 7 to 17 millimeters long and generally 1 to 4 millimeters wide. The plant has a distinctive feature of having no or rarely one pappus bristle, creating a unique appearance among rock-dwelling daisies.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 2 sympatric species; intermediate leaf width and fewer leaves distinguish from congeners
Habitat and range
Habitat: Bare rocky outcrops and cliffs in pinyon/juniper woodland
Elevation: 1300-2600 m
Bloom period
Laphamia megalocephala var. oligophylla blooms Jul-Oct.
Frequently asked questions
Is Laphamia megalocephala var. oligophylla native to California?
Yes. Laphamia megalocephala var. oligophylla is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Laphamia megalocephala var. oligophylla bloom?
Laphamia megalocephala var. oligophylla blooms Jul-Oct.
What plant family does Laphamia megalocephala var. oligophylla belong to?
Laphamia megalocephala var. oligophylla is in the Asteraceae family, genus Laphamia.
What habitat does Laphamia megalocephala var. oligophylla grow in?
Laphamia megalocephala var. oligophylla grows in Bare rocky outcrops and cliffs in pinyon/juniper woodland.
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.