Stephanomeria exigua subsp. deanei
Photo: parent species Stephanomeria exigua · Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Asteraceae · Type: Herb · Native
Stephanomeria exigua subsp. deanei is a native California herb in the Asteraceae family, recognized by densely glandular inflorescence and panicle-like clusters.
Dean's wirelettuce is a California native annual found in the southern California coast and Peninsular Ranges in sandy fields and chaparral at elevations below 1,700 meters. Flowering from June to November, this delicate plant produces white flowers in clusters with slender panicle-like heads. Growing with thin, branching stems typically 10 to 30 centimeters tall, it has an open, wispy growth habit. Its leaves are narrow and sparse, becoming smaller and more reduced up the stem. The fruit features white to light tan pappus bristles that are feathery on the upper portion and fused at their bases.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 8 sympatric species; distinguished by densely glandular inflorescence and panicle-like clusters
Habitat and range
Habitat: Sandy fields, chaparral
Elevation: < 1700 m
Outside California: northern Baja California
Bloom period
Stephanomeria exigua subsp. deanei blooms Jun-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 exigua subsp. deanei native to California?
Yes. Stephanomeria exigua subsp. deanei is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Stephanomeria exigua subsp. deanei bloom?
Stephanomeria exigua subsp. deanei blooms Jun-Nov.
What plant family does Stephanomeria exigua subsp. deanei belong to?
Stephanomeria exigua subsp. deanei is in the Asteraceae family, genus Stephanomeria.
What habitat does Stephanomeria exigua subsp. deanei grow in?
Stephanomeria exigua subsp. deanei grows in Sandy fields, chaparral.
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.