Stephanomeria exigua subsp. macrocarpa
Photo: parent species Stephanomeria exigua · Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Asteraceae · Type: Herb · Native
Stephanomeria exigua subsp. macrocarpa is a native California herb in the Asteraceae family, recognized by very large fruits.
slender eryngo is a California native annual found in the central Sierra Nevada Foothills in woodland openings at elevations of 300 to 1,200 meters. Flowering from May to October, this plant produces white flowers in heads arranged singly or in small clusters along branch nodes. Growing with delicate branching stems to approximately 30 to 50 centimeters tall, it develops sparse, narrow foliage. Its leaves are generally narrow and elongated, becoming smaller and more linear toward the upper stem. The fruit develops with tan pappus bristles that are feathery on the upper portion and slightly widened at the base.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Geographically isolated; distinguished by very large fruits
Habitat and range
Habitat: Openings in woodland
Elevation: 300-1200 m
Bloom period
Stephanomeria exigua subsp. macrocarpa blooms May-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. macrocarpa native to California?
Yes. Stephanomeria exigua subsp. macrocarpa is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Stephanomeria exigua subsp. macrocarpa bloom?
Stephanomeria exigua subsp. macrocarpa blooms May-Oct.
What plant family does Stephanomeria exigua subsp. macrocarpa belong to?
Stephanomeria exigua subsp. macrocarpa is in the Asteraceae family, genus Stephanomeria.
What habitat does Stephanomeria exigua subsp. macrocarpa grow in?
Stephanomeria exigua subsp. macrocarpa grows in Openings in woodland.
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.