Layia discoidea
Rayless layia
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Family: Asteraceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.1
Layia discoidea (Rayless layia) is a native California herb in the Asteraceae family, recognized by unique discoid flower heads (no rays).
Rayless layia is a rare (CNPS 1B.1) California native annual found in south-central inner Coast Ranges in Fresno and San Benito counties within chaparral, rocky outcrops, and serpentine habitats at elevations of 800 to 1,600 meters. Flowering from April to June, this diminutive plant produces yellow disk flowers without ray flowers, creating distinctive discoid heads. Growing with delicate glandular stems 3 to 20 centimeters tall, it forms low, compact clusters in rocky terrain. Its leaves are slender and variable, ranging from linear to lanceolate, with basal rosette leaves having subtle lobes less than halfway to the midvein. The plant produces an unusual fruit with 8 to 15 irregular, often notched white to brownish scales that provide unique identification characteristics.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 9 sympatric species; unique discoid flower heads (no rays)
Habitat and range
Habitat: Chaparral, talus, outcrops, rocky soil, serpentine, graywacke
Elevation: 800-1600 m
California counties: San Benito
Bloom period
Layia discoidea blooms Apr-Jun.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.1
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 discoidea native to California?
Yes. Layia discoidea is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Layia discoidea bloom?
Layia discoidea blooms Apr-Jun.
Where in California does Layia discoidea grow?
Layia discoidea occurs in San Benito, at elevations of 800-1600 m.
What plant family does Layia discoidea belong to?
Layia discoidea is in the Asteraceae family, genus Layia.
Is Layia discoidea rare or endangered?
Layia discoidea carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.1, 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.