Nothocalais alpestris
Alpine lake false-dandelion, Alpine Lake False-Dandelion
(c) Walter Siegmund, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · licence
Family: Asteraceae · Type: Herb · Native
Nothocalais alpestris (Alpine lake false-dandelion) is a native California herb in the Asteraceae family, recognized by . Key differences: glabrous involucre, white soft bristles vs silvery scales.
Alpine lake false-dandelion is a California native perennial found in the Klamath Ranges and northern Sierra Nevada Mountains in rocky slopes, meadows, and forest openings at elevations of 1,300 to 3,400 meters. Flowering from July to September, this plant produces white flowers in heads 10 to 20 millimeters long. Growing with slender stems 3 to 45 centimeters tall that are smooth below the flower head, it has an upright, delicate appearance. Its leaves range from 3 to 20 centimeters long, with a narrow, grass-like form. The fruit is topped with a soft, white pappus of 30 to 50 minutely barbed bristles, giving the plant a delicate, feathery finish when mature.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 1 sympatric species. Key differences: glabrous involucre, white soft bristles vs silvery scales
Habitat and range
Habitat: Uncommon. Rocky slopes, meadows, forest openings
Elevation: 1300-3400 m
Outside California: to Washington
Bloom period
Nothocalais alpestris blooms Jul-Sep.
Frequently asked questions
Is Nothocalais alpestris native to California?
Yes. Nothocalais alpestris is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Nothocalais alpestris bloom?
Nothocalais alpestris blooms Jul-Sep.
What plant family does Nothocalais alpestris belong to?
Nothocalais alpestris is in the Asteraceae family, genus Nothocalais.
What habitat does Nothocalais alpestris grow in?
Nothocalais alpestris grows in Uncommon. Rocky slopes, meadows, forest openings.
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.