Nicolletia occidentalis
Hole-in-the-sand plant
(c) Trevor Van Loon, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Asteraceae · Type: Herb · Native
Nicolletia occidentalis (Hole-in-the-sand plant) is a native California herb in the Asteraceae family, recognized by Desert-specialized genus adapted to deep sandy substrates - represents unique ecological adaptation within Asteraceae.
Hole-in-the-sand plant is a California native perennial found on the eastern edge of the southern Sierra Nevada Mountains and Mojave Desert in deep sandy soils and washes at elevations of 600 to 1,525 meters. Flowering from April to June, this plant produces pale pink to bright pink-purple ray flowers 4 to 9 millimeters long, surrounding disk flowers that transition from yellow at the base to purple or red at the tips. Growing with a deeply taprooted system and slender stems, it develops linear leaves with narrow, cylindric lobes. Its distinctive foliage features primary leaf axes that are typically two to three times wider than its linear lobes, creating a delicate, sparse appearance. The plant produces fruits 7 to 9 millimeters long, accompanied by pappus bristles and scales that add to its intricate botanical structure.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Desert-specialized genus adapted to deep sandy substrates - represents unique ecological adaptation within Asteraceae
Habitat and range
Habitat: Deep sandy soils, washes
Elevation: 600-1525 m
Outside California: northern Baja California
Bloom period
Nicolletia occidentalis blooms Apr-Jun.
How to tell it apart
vs Krameria: Krameria has irregular pea-like flowers with 4-5 separate petals, not daisy heads; vs Dyssodia: Dyssodia has yellow to orange rays, never pink or purple; vs Thymophylla: Thymophylla has yellow rays and much finer, thread-like leaf segments; vs Adenophyllum: Adenophyllum has yellow to orange rays, never pink or purple; vs Pectis: Pectis has yellow rays and bristly pappus, not alternating bristles and scales
Frequently asked questions
Is Nicolletia occidentalis native to California?
Yes. Nicolletia occidentalis is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Nicolletia occidentalis bloom?
Nicolletia occidentalis blooms Apr-Jun.
What plant family does Nicolletia occidentalis belong to?
Nicolletia occidentalis is in the Asteraceae family, genus Nicolletia.
What habitat does Nicolletia occidentalis grow in?
Nicolletia occidentalis grows in Deep sandy soils, washes.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · 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.