Stephanomeria virgata subsp. pleurocarpa
(c) Jerry Kirkhart, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Asteraceae · Type: Herb · Native
Stephanomeria virgata subsp. pleurocarpa is a native California herb in the Asteraceae family, recognized by subsp. virgata by appressed phyllaries and fewer flowers.
Stephanomeria virgata is a California native annual found in the California Floristic Province and Great Basin in chaparral openings and grasslands at elevations below 1,800 meters. Flowering from June to November, this plant produces delicate white flowers with 5 to 6 florets, characterized by outer phyllaries that are closely appressed. Growing with slender branching stems that spread widely across the landscape, it forms an open, airy structure typically 30 to 80 centimeters tall. Its leaves are narrow and sparse, becoming more reduced up the stem, with lower leaves potentially showing some linear to lanceolate characteristics. When mature, the plant develops small, compressed fruits typical of its genus, continuing its delicate botanical profile.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 15 sympatric species; distinguished from subsp. virgata by appressed phyllaries and fewer flowers
Habitat and range
Habitat: Chaparral openings, grassland
Elevation: < 1800 m
Bloom period
Stephanomeria virgata subsp. pleurocarpa 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 virgata subsp. pleurocarpa native to California?
Yes. Stephanomeria virgata subsp. pleurocarpa is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Stephanomeria virgata subsp. pleurocarpa bloom?
Stephanomeria virgata subsp. pleurocarpa blooms Jun-Nov.
What plant family does Stephanomeria virgata subsp. pleurocarpa belong to?
Stephanomeria virgata subsp. pleurocarpa is in the Asteraceae family, genus Stephanomeria.
What habitat does Stephanomeria virgata subsp. pleurocarpa grow in?
Stephanomeria virgata subsp. pleurocarpa grows in Chaparral openings, grassland.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
- Stephanomeria virgata subsp. virgata
- Stephanomeria cichoriacea — Silver rock-lettuce
- Stephanomeria diegensis — San diego milk aster
- Stephanomeria elata — Annual mitra
- Stephanomeria exigua — Small wirelettuce
- Stephanomeria exigua subsp. carotifera
- Stylocline citroleum — Oil neststraw
- Stylocline gnaphaloides — Everlasting neststraw
- Stylocline intertexta — Mojave neststraw
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.