Rhagadiolus stellatus
Endive daisy
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Family: Asteraceae · Type: Herb · Not Native
Rhagadiolus stellatus (Endive daisy) is a non-native California herb in the Asteraceae family, recognized by Only Rhagadiolus species in CA, rare European introduction with highly distinctive star-shaped fruiting structures.
Endive daisy is a naturalized annual found in southern North Coast Ranges (Napa County) and northern San Francisco Bay in disturbed places at elevations below 350 meters. Flowering from April to June, this plant produces white flowers in small heads 5 to 8 millimeters wide with distinctive star-shaped fruit structures. Growing with sparsely hairy stems 7 to 40 centimeters tall, it has an open, spreading growth habit. Its leaves are 2.5 to 14 centimeters long, oblong to obovate with sparsely toothed edges and a prominent terminal lobe. The fruit develops curved outer segments 10 to 15 millimeters long that spread with attached phyllaries to create an intriguing star-like formation.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Only Rhagadiolus species in CA, rare European introduction with highly distinctive star-shaped fruiting structures
Habitat and range
Habitat: Uncommon. Disturbed places
Elevation: < 350 m
Outside California: native to Europe
Bloom period
Rhagadiolus stellatus blooms Apr-Jun.
How to tell it apart
vs Lapsana: Rhagadiolus has long (10-15mm) rigidly spreading fruits; Lapsana has short (3-5mm) fruits that don't spread.; vs Mycelis: Rhagadiolus has distinctive radiating wrapped fruits; Mycelis has blue flowers and regular fruits.; vs Atrichoseris: Rhagadiolus has yellow flowers and radiating fruits; Atrichoseris has white flowers and short fruits.; vs Phalacroseris: Rhagadiolus has branching stems with multiple heads; Phalacroseris has single heads on leafless stems.
Frequently asked questions
Is Rhagadiolus stellatus native to California?
No. Rhagadiolus stellatus is not native to California (recorded as not native).
When does Rhagadiolus stellatus bloom?
Rhagadiolus stellatus blooms Apr-Jun.
What plant family does Rhagadiolus stellatus belong to?
Rhagadiolus stellatus is in the Asteraceae family, genus Rhagadiolus.
What habitat does Rhagadiolus stellatus grow in?
Rhagadiolus stellatus grows in Uncommon. Disturbed places.
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.