Microseris sylvatica
Sylvan microseris, Sylvan Microseris
(c) Ken-ichi Ueda, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Ken-ichi Ueda · licence
Family: Asteraceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 4.2
Microseris sylvatica (Sylvan microseris) is a native California herb in the Asteraceae family, recognized by recurved phyllary tips and large fruits with plumose bristles.
Sylvan microseris is a native perennial herb found in grasslands and open woodlands across northern and central California, including the Sierra Nevada Foothills, southern Sierra Nevada, Tehachapi, Sacramento Valley, eastern San Francisco Bay, southern Coast Ranges, western Transverse Ranges, and western Mojave Desert at elevations up to 1,700 meters. Flowering from March to June, this plant produces bright yellow flowers in heads 12 to 25 millimeters long with delicate ligules. Growing with slender stems 15 to 75 centimeters tall, it is generally few-branched and leafy near the base. Its leaves are 10 to 35 centimeters long with distinctive wavy margins or shallow lobes, creating an elegant and delicate appearance. The fruit is 5 to 12 millimeters long, straw-colored or dull white, with yellow-brown pappus scales.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 12 sympatric species; recurved phyllary tips and large fruits with plumose bristles are diagnostic
Habitat and range
Habitat: Grassland, open woodland
Elevation: < 1700 m
Bloom period
Microseris sylvatica blooms Mar-Jun.
Conservation status
CNPS 4.2
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 sylvatica native to California?
Yes. Microseris sylvatica is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Microseris sylvatica bloom?
Microseris sylvatica blooms Mar-Jun.
What plant family does Microseris sylvatica belong to?
Microseris sylvatica is in the Asteraceae family, genus Microseris.
Is Microseris sylvatica rare or endangered?
Microseris sylvatica carries California Rare Plant Rank 4.2, state rank S4.
What habitat does Microseris sylvatica grow in?
Microseris sylvatica grows in Grassland, open woodland.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
- Microseris acuminata — Needle microseris
- Microseris bigelovii — Coast microseris
- Microseris borealis — Northern microseris
- Microseris campestris — San joaquin microseris
- Microseris douglasii — Douglas' microseris
- Microseris douglasii subsp. douglasii
- Monolopia congdonii — San joaquin woollythreads
- Monolopia gracilens — Woodland woollythreads
- Monolopia lanceolata — Common hillside daisy
- Monolopia major — Cupped monolopia
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.