Lasthenia glabrata
Yellow rayed goldfields
(c) Cliff Hutson, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Asteraceae · Type: Herb · Native
Lasthenia glabrata (Yellow rayed goldfields) is a native California herb in the Asteraceae family, recognized by Robust alkali goldfields; phyllaries 10-14 fused >2/3 into a cup (vs free in L. californica); glabrous awl-like leaves.
Yellow rayed goldfields is a California native annual found in alkali habitats throughout low-elevation grasslands and wetlands. Flowering from March to June, this plant produces bright yellow ray flowers 4 to 14 millimeters long in compact hemispheric flower heads. Growing 15 to 60 centimeters tall with erect stems that are simple or occasionally branched, it has a delicate and slender growth habit. Its leaves are linear or awl-shaped, 4 to 15 centimeters long, smooth and entire, extending along the stem. The flower heads feature 10 to 14 fused phyllaries surrounding a cone-shaped receptacle with numerous yellow disk flowers.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Robust alkali goldfields; phyllaries 10-14 fused >2/3 into a cup (vs free in L. californica); glabrous awl-like leaves
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 glabrata native to California?
Yes. Lasthenia glabrata is native to California (recorded as native).
What plant family does Lasthenia glabrata belong to?
Lasthenia glabrata is in the Asteraceae family, genus Lasthenia.
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.