Lasiospermum bipinnatum
Woolly fruit
(c) Tony Rebelo, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Tony Rebelo · licence
Family: Asteraceae · Type: Herb · Not Native
Lasiospermum bipinnatum (Woolly fruit) is a non-native California herb in the Asteraceae family, recognized by Recent South African introduction - represents a genus completely foreign to North American flora.
Woolly fruit is a naturalized perennial found in southern coastal California in disturbed areas at elevations below 500 meters. Flowering from April to May, this plant produces white ray flowers approximately 5 to 10 millimeters long in loose clusters. Growing with decumbent stems up to 60 centimeters tall that develop adventitious roots, it spreads horizontally across the ground. Its leaves range from 2 to 6 centimeters long with pinnately lobed or toothed margins. The plant's stems and foliage are notably glabrous, giving it a smooth, unremarkable appearance in its preferred disturbed habitats.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Recent South African introduction - represents a genus completely foreign to North American flora
Habitat and range
Habitat: Disturbed areas
Elevation: < 500 m
Outside California: native to southern Africa, adventive in adjacent areas, naturalized in Tasmania
Bloom period
Lasiospermum bipinnatum blooms Apr-May.
How to tell it apart
vs Achillea: Achillea fruits lack the dense white wool; Lasiospermum fruits become increasingly woolly-white with age.; vs Eclipta: Eclipta grows in wet places with narrow rays; Lasiospermum grows in dry disturbed areas with distinctive woolly fruits.; vs Galinsoga: Galinsoga has opposite leaves and smooth fruits; Lasiospermum has alternate leaves and densely woolly fruits.; vs Rigiopappus: Rigiopappus fruits have stiff pointed scales; Lasiospermum fruits are covered in soft white wool.; vs Cosmos: Cosmos has much larger flowers and lacks woolly fruits; Lasiospermum has small flowers and distinctive cocoon-like fuzzy fruits.
Frequently asked questions
Is Lasiospermum bipinnatum native to California?
No. Lasiospermum bipinnatum is not native to California (recorded as not native).
When does Lasiospermum bipinnatum bloom?
Lasiospermum bipinnatum blooms Apr-May.
What plant family does Lasiospermum bipinnatum belong to?
Lasiospermum bipinnatum is in the Asteraceae family, genus Lasiospermum.
What habitat does Lasiospermum bipinnatum grow in?
Lasiospermum bipinnatum grows in Disturbed areas.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · 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.