Munzothamnus blairii
Blair's munzothamnus, Blair's Munzothamnus
(c) John Rusk, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Asteraceae · Type: Shrub · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.2
Munzothamnus blairii (Blair's munzothamnus) is a native California shrub in the Asteraceae family, recognized by San Clemente Island endemic representing a monotypic genus derived from Stephanomeria lineage.
Blair's munzothamnus is a rare (CNPS 1B.2) California native shrub found on San Clemente Island in rocky canyon walls at approximately 200 meters elevation. Flowering from September to November, this plant produces white to rosy-purple flowers in terminal clusters with heads 7 to 10 millimeters long. Growing 1 to 1.5 meters tall with fleshy branches up to 1 centimeter in diameter, it has a distinctive milky sap and branches that are initially tomentose but become nearly glabrous. Its alternate leaves are bright green, 4 to 6 centimeters long, oblong-obovate with irregularly wavy-toothed edges and rounded tips, and are crowded or tufted at branch tips. The fruit is 3 to 3.5 millimeters long with five faces, each bearing narrow, shallow grooves.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: San Clemente Island endemic representing a monotypic genus derived from Stephanomeria lineage
Habitat and range
Habitat: Rocky canyon walls
Elevation: +- 200 m.
California counties: Los Angeles, Marin, Alameda
Bloom period
Munzothamnus blairii blooms Sep-Nov.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.2
How to tell it apart
vs Hieracium: Hieracium is an herbaceous perennial; Munzothamnus is a woody shrub.; vs Malacothrix: Malacothrix is herbaceous; Munzothamnus forms a woody shrub on San Clemente Island only.; vs Taraxacum: Taraxacum has basal rosettes with leafless stems; Munzothamnus is a woody shrub.; vs Agoseris: Agoseris is herbaceous with leafless flower stems; Munzothamnus is a woody shrub.; vs Crepis: Crepis is herbaceous; Munzothamnus is a woody shrub on San Clemente Island only.
Frequently asked questions
Is Munzothamnus blairii native to California?
Yes. Munzothamnus blairii is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Munzothamnus blairii bloom?
Munzothamnus blairii blooms Sep-Nov.
Where in California does Munzothamnus blairii grow?
Munzothamnus blairii occurs in Los Angeles, Marin, Alameda, at elevations of +- 200 m..
What plant family does Munzothamnus blairii belong to?
Munzothamnus blairii is in the Asteraceae family, genus Munzothamnus.
Is Munzothamnus blairii rare or endangered?
Munzothamnus blairii carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.2, state rank S3.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
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.