Microseris paludosa
Marsh microseris, Marsh Microseris
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Family: Asteraceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.2
Microseris paludosa (Marsh microseris) is a native California herb in the Asteraceae family, recognized by low elevation wetland habitat and straw-colored fruits are distinctive.
Marsh microseris is a rare (CNPS 1B.2) California native perennial found in the Central Coast and San Francisco Bay Area in moist grasslands and open woodlands at elevations below 300 meters. Flowering from April to June, this plant produces yellow-orange flowers in involucres 10 to 20 millimeters long with distinctive mealy and black-hairy edges. Growing 15 to 70 centimeters tall with branching mostly near the base, it develops a leafy structure with characteristic form. Its leaves range from 5 to 35 centimeters long, varying from entire to slightly lobed across the plant's structure. The fruit is straw-colored or dull white, 4 to 7 millimeters long, with a delicate pappus of brown scales and barbed bristles.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 8 sympatric species; low elevation wetland habitat and straw-colored fruits are distinctive
Habitat and range
Habitat: Moist grassland, open woodland
Elevation: < 300 m
Bloom period
Microseris paludosa blooms Apr-Jun.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.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 paludosa native to California?
Yes. Microseris paludosa is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Microseris paludosa bloom?
Microseris paludosa blooms Apr-Jun.
What plant family does Microseris paludosa belong to?
Microseris paludosa is in the Asteraceae family, genus Microseris.
Is Microseris paludosa rare or endangered?
Microseris paludosa carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.2, state rank S2.
What habitat does Microseris paludosa grow in?
Microseris paludosa grows in Moist grassland, open woodland.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
- Microseris sp.
- Microseris sylvatica — Sylvan microseris
- Microseris acuminata — Needle microseris
- Microseris bigelovii — Coast microseris
- Microseris borealis — Northern microseris
- Microseris campestris — San joaquin microseris
- Monolopia congdonii — San joaquin woollythreads
- Monolopia gracilens — Woodland woollythreads
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.