Stephanomeria elata
Annual mitra
no rights reserved, uploaded by Irene · CC0
Family: Asteraceae · Type: Herb · Native
Stephanomeria elata (Annual mitra) is a native California herb in the Asteraceae family, recognized by northern distribution and pink flowers help distinguish from S. exigua complex.
Annual mitra is a California native annual herb found in northwestern California, the Cascade Range foothills, Sierra Nevada, central western California, western Southern California, and western Transverse Ranges in chaparral openings, grassy meadows, and roadside embankments at elevations of 100 to 1,400 meters. Flowering from July to November, this plant produces pink ligule flowers in heads arranged singly or in clusters along branch nodes. Growing with a single stem 50 to 150 centimeters tall, its branches ascend or spread with reduced bract-like cauline leaves. Its basal leaves typically wither by flowering time, leaving a distinctive sparse foliage structure. The fruit features smooth to slightly tubercled surfaces with white or tan pappus bristles that vary between populations in their attachment and persistence.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 13 sympatric species; northern distribution and pink flowers help distinguish from S. exigua complex
Habitat and range
Habitat: Chaparral openings, grassy meadows, roadside embankments
Elevation: 100-1400 m
Outside California: southwestern Oregon
Bloom period
Stephanomeria elata blooms Jul-Nov.
How to tell it apart
vs Cichorium: Stephanomeria has pink-lavender flowers; chicory has bright blue flowers that close by noon; vs Malacothrix: Stephanomeria has pink-lavender flowers; Malacothrix has yellow or white flowers; vs Epilobium: Stephanomeria has dandelion-like composite flowers; Epilobium has 4-petaled simple flowers; vs Lactuca: Stephanomeria has small pink heads on wiry stems; Lactuca has yellow/blue flowers on leafy stems; vs Rafinesquia: Stephanomeria has pink-lavender flowers; Rafinesquia has white or cream flowers
Frequently asked questions
Is Stephanomeria elata native to California?
Yes. Stephanomeria elata is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Stephanomeria elata bloom?
Stephanomeria elata blooms Jul-Nov.
What plant family does Stephanomeria elata belong to?
Stephanomeria elata is in the Asteraceae family, genus Stephanomeria.
What habitat does Stephanomeria elata grow in?
Stephanomeria elata grows in Chaparral openings, grassy meadows, roadside embankments.
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.