Lasthenia californica subsp. macrantha
Perennial goldfields, Perennial Goldfields
(c) Jamie Carter, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Jamie Carter · licence
Family: Asteraceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.2
Lasthenia californica subsp. macrantha (Perennial goldfields) is a native California herb in the Asteraceae family, recognized by perennial habit with largest rays and widest leaves distinctive.
Perennial goldfields is a rare (CNPS 1B.2) California native perennial found in northern coastal and central coastal bioregions in grasslands and coastal dunes at elevations below 500 meters. Flowering all year but most abundantly from May to August, this plant produces yellow flowers in daisy-like heads with 8 to 16 ray flowers 6 to 18 millimeters long. Growing with generally decumbent stems branched at the base, it forms low-spreading clusters up to 8.8 centimeters tall. Its leaves are linear to oblong, measuring 2.8 to 8.8 centimeters long and 1.5 to 15 millimeters wide, sometimes with 3 to 5 small teeth along the margin. The fruit is distinctive, appearing silver-gray and potentially lacking a traditional pappus.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 11 sympatric species; perennial habit with largest rays and widest leaves distinctive
Habitat and range
Habitat: Grassland, dunes along immediate coast
Elevation: < 500 m
California counties: Marin, Mendocino, Sonoma, Humboldt, San Luis Obispo, San Mateo, Del Norte, San Francisco, Monterey, Santa Cruz, Ventura
Bloom period
Lasthenia californica subsp. macrantha blooms All year, mostly May-Aug.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.2
How to tell it apart
vs Monolopia: Monolopia has alternate leaves; Lasthenia has opposite leaves throughout most of stem.; vs Eriophyllum: Eriophyllum is woolly-hairy; Lasthenia is smooth or only slightly hairy.; vs Ranunculus: Ranunculus has separate shiny petals and divided basal leaves; Lasthenia has composite flower heads.; vs Pseudobahia: Pseudobahia leaves are alternate above; Lasthenia leaves remain opposite throughout.; vs Blennosperma: Blennosperma has phyllaries fused into a cup; Lasthenia has separate overlapping phyllaries.
Frequently asked questions
Is Lasthenia californica subsp. macrantha native to California?
Yes. Lasthenia californica subsp. macrantha is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Lasthenia californica subsp. macrantha bloom?
Lasthenia californica subsp. macrantha blooms All year, mostly May-Aug.
Where in California does Lasthenia californica subsp. macrantha grow?
Lasthenia californica subsp. macrantha occurs in Marin, Mendocino, Sonoma, Humboldt, San Luis Obispo, San Mateo, Del Norte, San Francisco and other counties, at elevations of < 500 m.
What plant family does Lasthenia californica subsp. macrantha belong to?
Lasthenia californica subsp. macrantha is in the Asteraceae family, genus Lasthenia.
Is Lasthenia californica subsp. macrantha rare or endangered?
Lasthenia californica subsp. macrantha carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.2, state rank S2.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CNPS Rare Plant Inventory · Index of California Plant Names · 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.