Microseris laciniata subsp. laciniata
Photo: parent species Microseris laciniata · (c) Don Boucher, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Asteraceae · Type: Herb · Native
Microseris laciniata subsp. laciniata is a native California herb in the Asteraceae family, recognized by perennial habit, branched stem, and large flower heads distinguish from annuals.
Microseris laciniata is a California native perennial found in northwestern California, the high Cascade Range, and the Modoc Plateau in open grasslands, meadows, rocky slopes, and forest edges at elevations below 2,000 meters. Flowering from April to August, this plant produces pale yellow to white flowers in heads with numerous blossoms. Growing with branched stems and a thick, somewhat elongated taproot, it reaches moderate heights in its open habitats. Its leaves are deeply lobed, creating a delicate, finely dissected appearance that distinguishes it from other grassland perennials. The plant develops small fruits with 5 to 10 pappus scales less than 4 millimeters long, typical of its genus.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 12 sympatric species; perennial habit, branched stem, and large flower heads distinguish from annuals
Habitat and range
Habitat: Open grassland, meadows, rocky slopes, forest edge
Elevation: < 2000 m
Outside California: to southwestern Washington
Bloom period
Microseris laciniata subsp. laciniata blooms Apr-Aug.
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. laciniata native to California?
Yes. Microseris laciniata subsp. laciniata is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Microseris laciniata subsp. laciniata bloom?
Microseris laciniata subsp. laciniata blooms Apr-Aug.
What plant family does Microseris laciniata subsp. laciniata belong to?
Microseris laciniata subsp. laciniata is in the Asteraceae family, genus Microseris.
What habitat does Microseris laciniata subsp. laciniata grow in?
Microseris laciniata subsp. laciniata grows in Open grassland, meadows, rocky slopes, forest edge.
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.