Pyrrocoma lanceolata var. subviscosa
Lanceleaf goldenweed
(c) Tim Messick, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Tim Messick · licence
Family: Asteraceae · Type: Herb · Native
Pyrrocoma lanceolata var. subviscosa (Lanceleaf goldenweed) is a native California herb in the Asteraceae family, recognized by . Copious stalked glands distinguish from other varieties.
Lanceleaf goldenweed is a California native perennial found in the Modoc Plateau in dry slopes and alkaline meadows at elevations of 1,500 to 2,000 meters. Flowering from July to August, this plant produces yellow flowers in heads arranged in distinctive clusters. Growing with stems 20 to 40 centimeters tall, it is notably copiously covered in sticky glandular hairs, particularly in the flower clusters. Its leaves are lance-shaped, tapering to sharp points, with lower leaves broader and upper leaves becoming progressively narrower. The compact, glandular nature of the plant gives it a distinctive sticky texture that helps distinguish it from other goldenweed species.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 10 sympatric species. Copious stalked glands distinguish from other varieties.
Habitat and range
Habitat: dry slopes and alkaline meadows
Elevation: 1500-2000 m
Outside California: northwestern Nevada
Bloom period
Pyrrocoma lanceolata var. subviscosa blooms Jul-Aug.
How to tell it apart
vs Heterotheca: Pyrrocoma has 3-4 angled fruits and prominent basal rosette; Heterotheca has round fruits.; vs Solidago: Pyrrocoma grows from stout taproot with basal rosette in alpine areas; Solidago lacks prominent basal rosette.; vs Xanthisma: Pyrrocoma has 3-4 angled fruits from basal rosette; Xanthisma has round fruits and branched stems.; vs Tonestus: Pyrrocoma has variable hairiness (smooth to woolly); Tonestus is always sticky-glandular.; vs Petradoria: Pyrrocoma grows in alpine areas with angled fruits; Petradoria is desert-only with phyllaries in vertical ranks.
Frequently asked questions
Is Pyrrocoma lanceolata var. subviscosa native to California?
Yes. Pyrrocoma lanceolata var. subviscosa is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Pyrrocoma lanceolata var. subviscosa bloom?
Pyrrocoma lanceolata var. subviscosa blooms Jul-Aug.
What plant family does Pyrrocoma lanceolata var. subviscosa belong to?
Pyrrocoma lanceolata var. subviscosa is in the Asteraceae family, genus Pyrrocoma.
What habitat does Pyrrocoma lanceolata var. subviscosa grow in?
Pyrrocoma lanceolata var. subviscosa grows in dry slopes and alkaline meadows.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · 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.