Stephanomeria exigua subsp. carotifera
Photo: parent species Stephanomeria exigua · Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Asteraceae · Type: Herb · Native
Stephanomeria exigua subsp. carotifera is a native California herb in the Asteraceae family, recognized by other S. exigua subspecies by panicle-like inflorescence and reflexed phyllaries.
slender tarweed is a California native annual herb found in the Central Coast and southern Coastal Range bioregions in open, sandy, shale, and serpentine soils near the coast or inland at elevations below 1,000 meters. Flowering from June to October, this plant produces delicate white flowers in panicle-like clusters with heads featuring 7 to 9 individual flowers. Growing with slender stems that are either smooth or slightly hairy, it develops elegant branching structures with reflexed outer phyllaries. Its leaves are relatively sparse and narrow, adapting to the challenging sandy and serpentine soil environments. The fruit features white, feathery pappus bristles that vary between coastal and inland populations, with coastal plants having completely deciduous bristles while inland populations have bristles that are partially persistent.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 8 sympatric species; distinguished from other S. exigua subspecies by panicle-like inflorescence and reflexed phyllaries
Habitat and range
Habitat: Open, sandy, shale, serpentine soils near coast or inland
Elevation: < 1000 m
Bloom period
Stephanomeria exigua subsp. carotifera blooms Jun-Oct.
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 subsp. carotifera native to California?
Yes. Stephanomeria exigua subsp. carotifera is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Stephanomeria exigua subsp. carotifera bloom?
Stephanomeria exigua subsp. carotifera blooms Jun-Oct.
What plant family does Stephanomeria exigua subsp. carotifera belong to?
Stephanomeria exigua subsp. carotifera is in the Asteraceae family, genus Stephanomeria.
What habitat does Stephanomeria exigua subsp. carotifera grow in?
Stephanomeria exigua subsp. carotifera grows in Open, sandy, shale, serpentine soils near coast or inland.
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.