Pleurocoronis pluriseta
Arrow leaf
(c) Steve Matson, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Steve Matson · licence
Family: Asteraceae · Type: Subshrub · Native
Pleurocoronis pluriseta (Arrow leaf) is a native California subshrub in the Asteraceae family, recognized by Southwestern US endemic - distinctive leaf morphology and glandular flower bracts separate it from other desert composites.
Arrow leaf is a California native shrub found in desert bioregions in rocky canyons and creosote-bush scrub at elevations below 1,700 meters. Flowering from October to June, this plant produces delicate white flowers in compact heads 6 to 11 millimeters long with distinctive glandular phyllaries. Growing as a slender subshrub up to 60 centimeters tall with much-branched stems that become glandular toward the tips, it has an open, airy structure. Its thin leaves are thread-like, with narrow lanceolate blades 3 to 10 millimeters long, often with a few teeth and a gossamer-like appearance. The fruit features 10 to 16 slender pappus bristles, giving the plant a soft, feathery texture when seeds mature.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Southwestern US endemic - distinctive leaf morphology and glandular flower bracts separate it from other desert composites
Habitat and range
Habitat: Common. Rocky canyons, wash banks, creosote-bush scrub
Elevation: < 1700 m
Outside California: to Utah, Arizona, northwestern Mexico
Bloom period
Pleurocoronis pluriseta blooms Oct-Jun.
How to tell it apart
vs Baccharis: Pleurocoronis has dramatically long leaf stalks exceeding blade length; Baccharis has short-stalked or sessile leaves.; vs Brickellia: Pleurocoronis has leaf stalks much longer than blades creating a lollipop look; Brickellia has normal-proportioned leaves.; vs Ageratina: Pleurocoronis is a desert shrub with exaggerated long leaf stalks; Ageratina is woodland with normal petioles.; vs Malperia: Pleurocoronis is a woody-based perennial with broad toothed leaves; Malperia is annual with narrow entire leaves.; vs Grindelia: Pleurocoronis has extremely long leaf stalks and non-resinous buds; Grindelia has short stalks and sticky-resinous buds.
Frequently asked questions
Is Pleurocoronis pluriseta native to California?
Yes. Pleurocoronis pluriseta is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Pleurocoronis pluriseta bloom?
Pleurocoronis pluriseta blooms Oct-Jun.
What plant family does Pleurocoronis pluriseta belong to?
Pleurocoronis pluriseta is in the Asteraceae family, genus Pleurocoronis.
What habitat does Pleurocoronis pluriseta grow in?
Pleurocoronis pluriseta grows in Common. Rocky canyons, wash banks, creosote-bush scrub.
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.