Microseris laciniata
Cut leaved scorzonella
(c) Don Boucher, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Asteraceae · Type: Herb · Native
Microseris laciniata (Cut leaved scorzonella) is a native California herb in the Asteraceae family, recognized by Robust branched, proximally leafy perennial; large involucre (10-30 mm); 5-24 pappus scales.
Cut leaved scorzonella is a California native perennial found in rocky and grassy habitats throughout California at elevations of 100 to 1,500 meters. Flowering from April to June, this plant produces bright yellow flowers in open heads about 2 to 3 centimeters wide with delicate ligules. Growing with erect stems 15 to 120 centimeters tall, it develops a branching habit with foliage concentrated toward the base of the plant. Its leaves range from 10 to 50 centimeters long, varying from entire to deeply lobed with a delicate, graceful appearance. The fruit is grayish-brown, 3.5 to 8 millimeters long, with silvery-white pappus scales that aid in wind dispersal.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Robust branched, proximally leafy perennial; large involucre (10-30 mm); 5-24 pappus scales
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 laciniata native to California?
Yes. Microseris laciniata is native to California (recorded as native).
What plant family does Microseris laciniata belong to?
Microseris laciniata is in the Asteraceae family, genus Microseris.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · 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.