Lessingia pectinata
(c) Pinnacles National Park, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Pinnacles National Park · licence
Family: Asteraceae · Type: Annual · Native
Lessingia pectinata is a native California annual in the Asteraceae family, recognized by Spreading-branched lessingia with toothed to pinnately lobed (comb-like) glandular leaves; C Coast/inner Coast Range & SW SnJV.
Lessingia pectinata is a California native annual herb found in open grasslands and coastal habitats at low elevations. Flowering from July to October, this plant produces delicate yellow flowers with distinctive purple-brown bands in the corolla tube, arranged in small heads approximately 5 to 8 millimeters wide. Growing with erect to spreading green stems 5 to 70 centimeters tall, the plant has a variable appearance ranging from tan to reddish-brown. Its leaves are oblong to ovate, featuring stalked and bead-like glands that give the foliage a distinctive textured appearance. The fruit is small, measuring 2 to 3 millimeters long, with a white to tan pappus that exceeds the fruit length.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Spreading-branched lessingia with toothed to pinnately lobed (comb-like) glandular leaves; C Coast/inner Coast Range & SW SnJV
Habitat and range
California counties: Fresno, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Monterey
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 pectinata native to California?
Yes. Lessingia pectinata is native to California (recorded as native).
Where in California does Lessingia pectinata grow?
Lessingia pectinata occurs in Fresno, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Monterey.
What plant family does Lessingia pectinata belong to?
Lessingia pectinata 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 2026-09-30
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.