Pericome caudata
Mountain tail leaf
(c) Jared Shorma, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Asteraceae · Type: Subshrub · Native
Pericome caudata (Mountain tail leaf) is a native California subshrub in the Asteraceae family, recognized by Southeastern mountain distribution, at western edge of range centered in Southwest.
Mountain tail leaf is a California native perennial found in southern Sierra Nevada, southeastern Sierra Nevada, and Desert Mountains in canyons, rocky slopes, pinyon and juniper woodland, and riparian areas at elevations of 1,200 to 2,550 meters. Flowering from July to October, this plant produces white or cream flowers in heads approximately 4.5 to 6 millimeters in diameter. Growing with much-branched stems up to 2 meters tall that are slightly hairy and resin-dotted, it forms an open, spreading habit. Its leaves vary from 3 to 12 centimeters long, with rounded to heart-shaped bases that are sometimes toothed or shallowly lobed in the lower half. The fruit is 3.5 to 5 millimeters long with small pappus scales and occasionally 1 to 2 unequal bristles.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Southeastern mountain distribution, at western edge of range centered in Southwest
Habitat and range
Habitat: Canyons, rocky slopes, pinyon/juniper woodland, riparian
Elevation: 1200-2550 m
Outside California: to Colorado, Oklahoma, Texas, northern Mexico
Bloom period
Pericome caudata blooms Jul-Oct.
How to tell it apart
vs Carthamus: Pericome has long-tapered leaves on distinct petioles; Carthamus has sessile, clasping leaves with spiny-toothed margins.; vs Oncosiphon: Pericome has simple long-pointed leaves; Oncosiphon has finely divided feathery leaves and foul odor.; vs Matricaria: Pericome has simple long-pointed leaves on petioles; Matricaria has finely divided feathery leaves.; vs Artemisia: Pericome has green undivided leaves; Artemisia has gray aromatic leaves that are usually lobed or dissected.; vs Perityle: Pericome leaves taper to long sharp points; Perityle leaves are short (under 2.5 cm) without extended tips.
Frequently asked questions
Is Pericome caudata native to California?
Yes. Pericome caudata is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Pericome caudata bloom?
Pericome caudata blooms Jul-Oct.
What plant family does Pericome caudata belong to?
Pericome caudata is in the Asteraceae family, genus Pericome.
What habitat does Pericome caudata grow in?
Pericome caudata grows in Canyons, rocky slopes, pinyon/juniper woodland, riparian.
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.