Stephanomeria exigua subsp. exigua
Photo: parent species Stephanomeria exigua · Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Asteraceae · Type: Herb · Native
Stephanomeria exigua subsp. exigua is a native California herb in the Asteraceae family, recognized by desert habitat, panicle-like inflorescence, and sparse glandularity.
Stephanomeria exigua is a California native annual found in the Great Basin and Desert bioregions in sagebrush, creosote-bush scrub, and pinyon/juniper woodland at elevations of 100 to 2,000 meters. Flowering from April to July, this plant produces white flowers in panicle-like clusters with distinctive heads that have up to 5 to 8 flowers. Growing with delicate stems that form open, branching structures, it develops slender annual growth with multiple narrow branches. Its leaves are typically narrow and sparse, becoming more reduced as the plant matures. The fruit develops small bristles that are white to tan, with pappus plumose on the upper half and widened at the base.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 8 sympatric species; distinguished by desert habitat, panicle-like inflorescence, and sparse glandularity
Habitat and range
Habitat: Sagebrush, creosote-bush scrub, pinyon/juniper woodland
Elevation: 100-2000 m
Outside California: to Washington, Idaho, Colorado, Texas, Baja California
Bloom period
Stephanomeria exigua subsp. exigua blooms Apr-Jul.
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. exigua native to California?
Yes. Stephanomeria exigua subsp. exigua is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Stephanomeria exigua subsp. exigua bloom?
Stephanomeria exigua subsp. exigua blooms Apr-Jul.
What plant family does Stephanomeria exigua subsp. exigua belong to?
Stephanomeria exigua subsp. exigua is in the Asteraceae family, genus Stephanomeria.
What habitat does Stephanomeria exigua subsp. exigua grow in?
Stephanomeria exigua subsp. exigua grows in Sagebrush, creosote-bush scrub, pinyon/juniper woodland.
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.