Lessingia micradenia
Little glandular lessingia
(c) Ken-ichi Ueda, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Asteraceae · Type: Herb · Native
Lessingia micradenia (Little glandular lessingia) is a native California herb in the Asteraceae family, recognized by Narrow SF Bay serpentine endemic (Santa Clara & Marin only); glabrous linear leaves, few-flowered (3-10) heads.
Little glandular lessingia is a California native annual herb found in rocky or disturbed areas at moderate elevations. Flowering from July to October, this plant produces delicate white to pale lavender flowers in small clustered heads about 4 to 6 millimeters wide. Growing with slender erect stems 5 to 60 centimeters tall, with ascending branches that are tan to brown and smooth. Its leaves are linear and awl-shaped, primarily located near the base of the plant, ranging from 0.2 to 2 centimeters long. The tiny fruits are 2 to 4 millimeters long, topped with a tan pappus that matches the fruit's length.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Narrow SF Bay serpentine endemic (Santa Clara & Marin only); glabrous linear leaves, few-flowered (3-10) heads
How to tell it apart
vs Palafoxia: Lessingia fruits tiny (2-4mm); Palafoxia fruits massive (10-15mm) - check seed size first; vs Pectis: Pectis has opposite leaves with oil glands; Lessingia has alternate leaves without glands; vs Deinandra: Deinandra flower heads very gummy/sticky; Lessingia merely hairy or minutely glandular; vs Stephanomeria: Stephanomeria has milky sap and all ligulate flowers; Lessingia has clear sap and disk flowers; vs Epilobium: Epilobium has 4 petals in a cross pattern; Lessingia has typical composite flower heads
Frequently asked questions
Is Lessingia micradenia native to California?
Yes. Lessingia micradenia is native to California (recorded as native).
What plant family does Lessingia micradenia belong to?
Lessingia micradenia is in the Asteraceae family, genus Lessingia.
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.