Pentachaeta exilis subsp. exilis
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Family: Asteraceae · Type: Herb · Native
Pentachaeta exilis subsp. exilis is a native California herb in the Asteraceae family, recognized by discoid/disciform heads lacking developed rays.
Slender pentachaeta is a California native annual found in northern California Coast Ranges, Sierra Nevada foothills, Central Valley, and central western California in grassland and foothill woodland habitats at elevations below 900 meters. Flowering from March to May, this delicate plant produces white to reddish flowers with yellow tube centers in small discoid heads. Growing with thin, wispy stems typically less than 30 centimeters tall, it forms sparse, open clusters in open grasslands. Its leaves are narrow and relatively inconspicuous, blending seamlessly into the grassy environments where it thrives. The plant's distinctive flower heads feature both white and yellow tones, creating subtle, intricate botanical displays in spring landscapes.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 5 sympatric species; key feature is discoid/disciform heads lacking developed rays
Habitat and range
Habitat: Grassland, foothill woodland
Elevation: < 900 m
Bloom period
Pentachaeta exilis subsp. exilis blooms Mar-May.
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 exilis subsp. exilis native to California?
Yes. Pentachaeta exilis subsp. exilis is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Pentachaeta exilis subsp. exilis bloom?
Pentachaeta exilis subsp. exilis blooms Mar-May.
What plant family does Pentachaeta exilis subsp. exilis belong to?
Pentachaeta exilis subsp. exilis is in the Asteraceae family, genus Pentachaeta.
What habitat does Pentachaeta exilis subsp. exilis grow in?
Pentachaeta exilis subsp. exilis grows in Grassland, foothill woodland.
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.