Microseris douglasii subsp. platycarpha
Small-flowered microseris, Small-Flowered Microseris
Photo: parent species Microseris douglasii · Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Asteraceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 4.2
Microseris douglasii subsp. platycarpha (Small-flowered microseris) is a native California herb in the Asteraceae family, recognized by small fruits with disproportionately long pappus scales.
Small-flowered microseris is a California native annual found in central and southern California coastal areas, southern Channel Islands, and Peninsular Ranges in grasslands and clay soils near vernal pools or serpentine outcrops at elevations below 1,100 meters. Flowering from March to May, this plant produces small yellow flowers in heads with delicate, narrow petals. Growing with slender stems 10 to 30 centimeters tall, it emerges quickly in spring grassland habitats. Its leaves are narrow and deeply lobed, typically 5 to 15 centimeters long, forming basal rosettes with finely dissected margins. The fruit is distinctive, with narrow 3 to 4.5 millimeter long achenes that are widest at the tip and crowned with curved pappus scales.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 3 sympatric species; small fruits with disproportionately long pappus scales
Habitat and range
Habitat: Clay soils, grassland, often near vernal pools or serpentine outcrops
Elevation: < 1100 m
Outside California: Baja California
Bloom period
Microseris douglasii subsp. platycarpha blooms Mar-May.
Conservation status
CNPS 4.2
How to tell it apart
vs Uropappus: Microseris buds nod before opening; Uropappus buds stay erect and have exactly 5 silvery pappus scales.; vs Agoseris: Microseris has scale-like pappus; Agoseris has bristle-like pappus.; vs Stebbinsoseris: Microseris has triangular to oval pappus scales; Stebbinsoseris has lance-shaped scales.; vs Hypochaeris: Microseris has smooth flower stems; Hypochaeris has branched stems with small leaves.; vs Achyrachaena: Microseris has scale pappus and nodding buds; Achyrachaena has ray and disk flowers with different pappi.
Frequently asked questions
Is Microseris douglasii subsp. platycarpha native to California?
Yes. Microseris douglasii subsp. platycarpha is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Microseris douglasii subsp. platycarpha bloom?
Microseris douglasii subsp. platycarpha blooms Mar-May.
What plant family does Microseris douglasii subsp. platycarpha belong to?
Microseris douglasii subsp. platycarpha is in the Asteraceae family, genus Microseris.
Is Microseris douglasii subsp. platycarpha rare or endangered?
Microseris douglasii subsp. platycarpha carries California Rare Plant Rank 4.2, state rank S4.
What habitat does Microseris douglasii subsp. platycarpha grow in?
Microseris douglasii subsp. platycarpha grows in Clay soils, grassland, often near vernal pools or serpentine outcrops.
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.