Layia carnosa
Beach layia
(c) Trevor Van Loon, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Asteraceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.1 · Threatened
Layia carnosa (Beach layia) is a native California herb in the Asteraceae family, recognized by unique coastal dune habitat and fleshy leaves.
Beach layia is a rare (CNPS 1B.1) California native annual found in northern Coast and central Coast bioregions on coastal dunes at elevations below 70 meters. Flowering from April to July, this plant produces white ray flowers 1.5 to 3.5 millimeters long with dark purple disk anthers in compact flower heads. Growing prostrate to erect with glandular stems 2 to 18 centimeters tall, it adapts well to the harsh coastal environment. Its fleshy leaves range from 3 to 45 millimeters long, with proximal leaves often partially lobed toward the midvein. The fruit has ray flowers with sparse hairs and a pappus of 24 to 32 white to brownish bristles.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 6 sympatric species; unique coastal dune habitat and fleshy leaves
Habitat and range
Habitat: Coastal dunes
Elevation: < 70 m
Outside California: southwestern Oregon
Bloom period
Layia carnosa blooms Apr-Jul.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.1 · Threatened
How to tell it apart
vs Madia: Layia has prominent feathery seed bristles 2-4mm; Madia has tiny or no seed bristles.; vs Glebionis: Layia has feathery white seed plumes; Glebionis has yellow-orange rays and no seed plumes.; vs Deinandra: Layia has fluffy feathery seed bristles; Deinandra has straight, non-feathery bristles.; vs Monoptilon: Layia has 2-4mm feathery bristles; Monoptilon has shorter non-feathery bristles.; vs Hemizonia: Layia has prominent feathery seed plumes; Hemizonia has short non-feathery bristles or scales.
Frequently asked questions
Is Layia carnosa native to California?
Yes. Layia carnosa is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Layia carnosa bloom?
Layia carnosa blooms Apr-Jul.
What plant family does Layia carnosa belong to?
Layia carnosa is in the Asteraceae family, genus Layia.
Is Layia carnosa rare or endangered?
Layia carnosa carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.1, state rank S2.
What habitat does Layia carnosa grow in?
Layia carnosa grows in Coastal dunes.
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.