Psilocarphus brevissimus var. multiflorus
Delta woolly-marbles
(c) Don Loarie, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Don Loarie · licence
Family: Asteraceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 4.2
Psilocarphus brevissimus var. multiflorus (Delta woolly-marbles) is a native California herb in the Asteraceae family, recognized by geography, largest heads, and leaf proportions diagnostic.
Delta woolly-marbles is a California native annual herb found in the Sacramento Valley, northern San Joaquin Valley, and San Francisco Bay Area in vernal pools and flats at elevations of 10 to 500 meters. Flowering from May to June, this plant produces small, densely clustered heads with silky white flowers approximately 9 to 14 millimeters in diameter. Growing with generally solitary stems and a silky-cobwebby appearance, it reaches heights with leaves up to 25 millimeters long. Its leaves are roughly three to six times longer than wide, creating a delicate, compact structure. The plant's distinctive feature is its deeply lobed receptacle with cylindric paleae that have wing-like extensions about halfway along their length.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 4 sympatric species; geography, largest heads, and leaf proportions diagnostic
Habitat and range
Habitat: Vernal pools, flats
Elevation: 10-500 m
Bloom period
Psilocarphus brevissimus var. multiflorus blooms May-Jun.
Conservation status
CNPS 4.2
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 var. multiflorus native to California?
Yes. Psilocarphus brevissimus var. multiflorus is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Psilocarphus brevissimus var. multiflorus bloom?
Psilocarphus brevissimus var. multiflorus blooms May-Jun.
What plant family does Psilocarphus brevissimus var. multiflorus belong to?
Psilocarphus brevissimus var. multiflorus is in the Asteraceae family, genus Psilocarphus.
Is Psilocarphus brevissimus var. multiflorus rare or endangered?
Psilocarphus brevissimus var. multiflorus carries California Rare Plant Rank 4.2, state rank S3.
What habitat does Psilocarphus brevissimus var. multiflorus grow in?
Psilocarphus brevissimus var. multiflorus grows in Vernal pools, flats.
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.