Nestotus stenophyllus
Narrowleaf mock goldenweed
(c) James H. Thomas, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Asteraceae · Type: Subshrub · Native
Nestotus stenophyllus (Narrowleaf mock goldenweed) is a native California subshrub in the Asteraceae family, recognized by Intermountain genus reaching its southern range limit in California's Modoc Plateau.
Narrowleaf mock goldenweed is a California native perennial found in the Modoc Plateau in rocky sagebrush scrub and juniper woodland at elevations of 900 to 2,300 meters. Flowering from April to May, this plant produces yellow flowers with ray flowers 7 to 12 millimeters long in compact clusters. Growing with slender stems 2 to 12 centimeters tall, it has delicate branching flower stems. Its leaves are small, less than 2 centimeters long, with ciliate edges and densely glandular surfaces that give the plant a distinctive textured appearance. The fruit is 3.5 to 6 millimeters long with approximately 30 white pappus bristles.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Intermountain genus reaching its southern range limit in California's Modoc Plateau
Habitat and range
Habitat: Rocky soil, sagebrush scrub, juniper woodland
Elevation: 900-2300 m
Outside California: to Washington, Idaho, northern Nevada
Bloom period
Nestotus stenophyllus blooms Apr-May.
How to tell it apart
vs Stenotus: Nestotus leaves have one vein and uniform size; Stenotus leaves have three veins and get smaller upward.; vs Xanthisma: Nestotus leaves are smooth thread-like; Xanthisma leaves have spine-tipped teeth.; vs Hazardia: Nestotus forms ground-level cushions; Hazardia grows as upright woody shrubs.; vs Ericameria: Nestotus has cushion habit with uniform leaves; Ericameria grows upright with resinous foliage.; vs Grindelia: Nestotus forms low mats; Grindelia grows upright with sticky resinous flower buds.
Frequently asked questions
Is Nestotus stenophyllus native to California?
Yes. Nestotus stenophyllus is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Nestotus stenophyllus bloom?
Nestotus stenophyllus blooms Apr-May.
What plant family does Nestotus stenophyllus belong to?
Nestotus stenophyllus is in the Asteraceae family, genus Nestotus.
What habitat does Nestotus stenophyllus grow in?
Nestotus stenophyllus grows in Rocky soil, sagebrush scrub, juniper woodland.
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.