Sphaeromeria potentilloides var. nitrophila
Alkali tansy-sage, Alkali Tansy-Sage
Photo: parent species Sphaeromeria potentilloides · (c) Matt Berger, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Matt Berger · licence
Family: Asteraceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 2B.2
Sphaeromeria potentilloides var. nitrophila (Alkali tansy-sage) is a native California herb in the Asteraceae family, recognized by alkaline habitat, small size, and few heads.
Alkali tansy-sage is a rare (CNPS 2B.2) California native perennial found in central Sierra Nevada and eastern Sierra Nevada in generally alkaline areas at elevations of 1,600 to 2,200 meters. Flowering from May to July, this plant produces white flowers in small heads with 1 to 3 clusters. Growing with compact stems 3 to 15 centimeters tall that are nearly leafless, it forms low, delicate mats in harsh alkaline environments. Its basal leaves are distinctively divided into pinnate segments, creating a lacy, intricate foliage pattern that helps the plant survive in challenging mineral-rich landscapes. The compact growth and finely divided leaves make this tansy-sage a remarkable adaptation to alkaline habitats.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 3 sympatric species; distinguished by alkaline habitat, small size, and few heads
Habitat and range
Habitat: Generally alkaline areas
Elevation: 1600-2200 m
Outside California: to Idaho, Nevada
Bloom period
Sphaeromeria potentilloides var. nitrophila blooms May-Jul.
Conservation status
CNPS 2B.2
How to tell it apart
vs Pentachaeta: Sphaeromeria has tiny yellow buttonlike heads in flat clusters; Pentachaeta has daisy-like flowers with white or purple ray petals.; vs Tanacetum: Sphaeromeria has much smaller heads (3-5mm) with only 12-20 bracts; Tanacetum has larger heads with 30-60 bracts.; vs Artemisia: Sphaeromeria has flat-topped flower clusters forming cushions; Artemisia has elongated spike-like or pyramidal flower arrangements.
Frequently asked questions
Is Sphaeromeria potentilloides var. nitrophila native to California?
Yes. Sphaeromeria potentilloides var. nitrophila is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Sphaeromeria potentilloides var. nitrophila bloom?
Sphaeromeria potentilloides var. nitrophila blooms May-Jul.
What plant family does Sphaeromeria potentilloides var. nitrophila belong to?
Sphaeromeria potentilloides var. nitrophila is in the Asteraceae family, genus Sphaeromeria.
Is Sphaeromeria potentilloides var. nitrophila rare or endangered?
Sphaeromeria potentilloides var. nitrophila carries California Rare Plant Rank 2B.2, state rank S2.
What habitat does Sphaeromeria potentilloides var. nitrophila grow in?
Sphaeromeria potentilloides var. nitrophila grows in Generally alkaline areas.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CNPS Rare Plant Inventory · Index of California Plant Names · 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.