Microseris laciniata subsp. detlingii
Detling's silverpuffs, Detling's Silverpuffs
Photo: parent species Microseris laciniata · (c) Don Boucher, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Asteraceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 2B.1
Microseris laciniata subsp. detlingii (Detling's silverpuffs) is a native California herb in the Asteraceae family, recognized by No sympatric species; geographically isolated.
Detling's silverpuffs is a rare (CNPS 2B.1) California native perennial found in the northeastern Klamath Ranges near Iron Gate Reservoir in Siskiyou County, inhabiting clay slopes, grasslands, scrub, and forest edges at elevations of 600 to 1,000 meters. Flowering from May to June, this plant produces yellow flowers with delicate, broadly lanceolate outer phyllaries and numerous bloom heads. Growing with a slender, much-elongated taproot and simple stems, it forms a distinctive clump in its native habitats. Its leaves are finely divided, creating a feathery appearance characteristic of silverpuffs, with a thin, glabrous texture. The fruit develops with a pappus of 9 to 19 scales, each 4 to 9 millimeters long and bearing barbed bristles.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: No sympatric species; geographically isolated
Habitat and range
Habitat: Clay slopes, grassland, scrub, forest edges
Elevation: 600-1000 m
Outside California: southern Oregon
Bloom period
Microseris laciniata subsp. detlingii blooms May-Jun.
Conservation status
CNPS 2B.1
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 subsp. detlingii native to California?
Yes. Microseris laciniata subsp. detlingii is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Microseris laciniata subsp. detlingii bloom?
Microseris laciniata subsp. detlingii blooms May-Jun.
What plant family does Microseris laciniata subsp. detlingii belong to?
Microseris laciniata subsp. detlingii is in the Asteraceae family, genus Microseris.
Is Microseris laciniata subsp. detlingii rare or endangered?
Microseris laciniata subsp. detlingii carries California Rare Plant Rank 2B.1, state rank S1.
What habitat does Microseris laciniata subsp. detlingii grow in?
Microseris laciniata subsp. detlingii grows in Clay slopes, grassland, scrub, forest edges.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · 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.