Psilocarphus brevissimus
Short woollyheads
Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Asteraceae · Type: Herb · Native
Psilocarphus brevissimus (Short woollyheads) is a native California herb in the Asteraceae family.
Short woollyheads is a California native annual herb found in grasslands and open areas at low to moderate elevations. Flowering from July to September, this plant produces small white to grayish flowers in compact woolly heads with subtle green to gray tones. Growing with delicate stems 5 to 15 centimeters tall, it has a distinctive cobwebby to woolly appearance that helps it blend into dry grassland landscapes. Its leaves are predominantly appressed to the flower heads, with lance-shaped to ovate blades that are relatively short and closely aligned with the plant's compact structure. The plant's tiny fruits are club-shaped and measure less than 2 millimeters long, reflecting its diminutive and intricate nature.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Geographically isolated from all congeners
How to tell it apart
vs Stylocline: Psilocarphus has opposite leaves; Stylocline has alternate leaves (may appear whorled).; vs Gnaphalium: Psilocarphus has opposite leaves and no pappus; Gnaphalium has alternate leaves and pappus present.; vs Pseudognaphalium: Psilocarphus has opposite leaves; Pseudognaphalium has alternate leaves.; vs Logfia: Psilocarphus has opposite leaves; Logfia has alternate leaves.; vs Micropus: Psilocarphus lacks prominent petal-like bracts; Micropus has 4-6 conspicuous spoon-shaped outer bracts.
Frequently asked questions
Is Psilocarphus brevissimus native to California?
Yes. Psilocarphus brevissimus is native to California (recorded as native).
What plant family does Psilocarphus brevissimus belong to?
Psilocarphus brevissimus is in the Asteraceae family, genus Psilocarphus.
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.