Stephanomeria exigua
Small wirelettuce
Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Asteraceae · Type: Herb · Native
Stephanomeria exigua (Small wirelettuce) is a native California herb in the Asteraceae family.
Small wirelettuce is a California native annual found in open, dry habitats across the state's interior regions at elevations of low to moderate ranges. Flowering from July to October, this delicate plant produces white to pink flowers in small, clusters with slender peduncles up to 4 centimeters long. Growing with a single stem that branches widely and spreads 10 to 20 centimeters tall, it develops sparse, reduced cauline leaves that become bract-like as the plant matures. Its basal leaves typically wither by flowering time, leaving a spare, open branching structure that gives the plant its wispy, delicate appearance. The fruit is 2 to 6.5 millimeters long with smooth to slightly textured surfaces, bearing white to tan pappus bristles that persist after flowering.
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 exigua native to California?
Yes. Stephanomeria exigua is native to California (recorded as native).
What plant family does Stephanomeria exigua belong to?
Stephanomeria exigua is in the Asteraceae family, genus Stephanomeria.
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.