Spermolepis sp.
Family: Apiaceae · Type: Annual · Native
Spermolepis sp. is a native California annual in the Apiaceae family.
How to tell it apart
vs Apiastrum: Spermolepis grows in deserts with alternate leaves; Apiastrum in chaparral with opposite leaves.; vs Torilis: Spermolepis has smooth flower stalks; Torilis has hairy stalks and herbage throughout.; vs Ammoselinum: Spermolepis flower clusters are completely smooth; Ammoselinum clusters are finely fuzzy.; vs Cyclospermum: Spermolepis has wide-oval fruits in deserts; Cyclospermum has narrower fruits in wet areas.; vs Daucus: Spermolepis has few-rayed open clusters in deserts; Daucus has many-rayed nest-like clusters.
Frequently asked questions
Is Spermolepis sp. native to California?
Yes. Spermolepis sp. is native to California (recorded as native).
What plant family does Spermolepis sp. belong to?
Spermolepis sp. is in the Apiaceae family, genus Spermolepis.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
- Spermolepis echinata — Bristly scaleseed
- Spermolepis gigantea — desert scaleseed
- Spermolepis infernensis — Hellhole scaleseed
- Spermolepis lateriflora — western bristly scaleseed
- Tauschia arguta — Southern tauschia
- Tauschia glauca — Glaucous tauschia
- Tauschia hartwegii — Hartweg's tauschia
- Tauschia howellii — Howell's tauschia
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-04-14
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.