Pentachaeta aurea subsp. allenii
Allen's pentachaeta, Allen's Pentachaeta
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Family: Asteraceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.1
Pentachaeta aurea subsp. allenii (Allen's pentachaeta) is a native California herb in the Asteraceae family, recognized by bicolor rays (yellow base, white tips).
Allen's pentachaeta is a rare (CNPS 1B.1) California native annual found in southern coastal California and Peninsular Ranges in Orange County within grassy areas at elevations below 500 meters. Flowering from March to May, this plant produces distinctive yellow and white ray flowers approximately 30 to 45 millimeters long, with the proximal third yellow and the distal two-thirds white. Growing with delicate stems spreading to 15 to 25 centimeters tall, it forms low, open clusters in its native grassland habitat. Its leaves are narrow and elongated, typical of annual composites in coastal California grasslands. The compact flower heads showcase a striking bicolor pattern that distinguishes this rare and delicate annual from other native wildflowers.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 3 sympatric species; key feature is bicolor rays (yellow base, white tips)
Habitat and range
Habitat: Grassy areas
Elevation: < 500 m
Bloom period
Pentachaeta aurea subsp. allenii blooms Mar-May.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.1
How to tell it apart
vs Lasthenia: Pentachaeta has only 1-5 female flowers per head; Lasthenia has many more female flowers.; vs Thymophylla: Pentachaeta is non-glandular and unscented; Thymophylla is strongly aromatic with glands.; vs Eriophyllum: Pentachaeta has thread-like delicate stems; Eriophyllum has sturdier stems and woolly coating.; vs Bebbia: Pentachaeta is tiny delicate annual; Bebbia is woody shrub with nearly leafless stems.; vs Hazardia: Pentachaeta is thread-like delicate annual; Hazardia is woody leafy shrub.
Frequently asked questions
Is Pentachaeta aurea subsp. allenii native to California?
Yes. Pentachaeta aurea subsp. allenii is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Pentachaeta aurea subsp. allenii bloom?
Pentachaeta aurea subsp. allenii blooms Mar-May.
What plant family does Pentachaeta aurea subsp. allenii belong to?
Pentachaeta aurea subsp. allenii is in the Asteraceae family, genus Pentachaeta.
Is Pentachaeta aurea subsp. allenii rare or endangered?
Pentachaeta aurea subsp. allenii carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.1, state rank S1.
What habitat does Pentachaeta aurea subsp. allenii grow in?
Pentachaeta aurea subsp. allenii grows in Grassy areas.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · 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.