Microseris douglasii subsp. tenella
Photo: parent species Microseris douglasii · Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Asteraceae · Type: Herb · Native
Microseris douglasii subsp. tenella is a native California herb in the Asteraceae family, recognized by fruit shape and very short pappus scales distinguish from other subspecies.
Small-flowered microseris is a California native annual found in northern California coastal ranges, Sacramento Valley, western Central Valley, coastal southern California, and northern Channel Islands in grassland habitats, often near vernal pools or serpentine outcrops at elevations below 500 meters. Flowering from March to June, this delicate plant produces pale yellow to white flowers in small, drooping heads. Growing with slender, branching stems 10 to 40 centimeters tall, it emerges from a thin taproot. Its leaves are narrow, linear to lance-shaped, typically 3 to 15 centimeters long, arranged in a basal rosette. The fruit is small and slightly swollen near the middle, with short pappus scales and delicate bristles.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 13 sympatric species; fruit shape and very short pappus scales distinguish from other subspecies
Habitat and range
Habitat: Inland clay soils, grassland, often near vernal pools or serpentine outcrops (coastal in southern CCo)
Elevation: < 500 m
Bloom period
Microseris douglasii subsp. tenella blooms Mar-Jun.
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. tenella native to California?
Yes. Microseris douglasii subsp. tenella is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Microseris douglasii subsp. tenella bloom?
Microseris douglasii subsp. tenella blooms Mar-Jun.
What plant family does Microseris douglasii subsp. tenella belong to?
Microseris douglasii subsp. tenella is in the Asteraceae family, genus Microseris.
What habitat does Microseris douglasii subsp. tenella grow in?
Microseris douglasii subsp. tenella grows in Inland clay soils, grassland, often near vernal pools or serpentine outcrops (coastal in southern CCo).
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.