Thymophylla tenuiloba var. tenuiloba
Bristleleaf pricklyleaf
Family: Asteraceae · Type: Herb · Not Native
Thymophylla tenuiloba var. tenuiloba (Bristleleaf pricklyleaf) is a non-native California herb in the Asteraceae family, recognized by . Key differences: non-native status, coastal habitat, more leaf segments, longer rays.
Bristleleaf pricklyleaf is a naturalized annual found in southern California coastal areas at elevations below 50 meters, often growing in disturbed sites and escaped from cultivation. Flowering from April to June, this plant produces yellow flowers in small heads about 5 to 7 millimeters in diameter with 10 to 21 ray flowers. Growing with slender, leafy stems 10 to 30 centimeters tall, it emerges with 1 to several stems from its base. Its distinctive leaves are 1 to 3 centimeters long, pinnately divided into 7 to 15 narrow linear lobes, appearing delicate and finely cut. The fruit is 2 to 3.5 millimeters long, covered in fine hairs and topped with 3 to 5 small awn-tipped scales.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 1 sympatric species. Key differences: non-native status, coastal habitat, more leaf segments, longer rays
Habitat and range
Habitat: Escaped from cultivation, coastal scrub, disturbed sites
Elevation: < 50 m
Outside California: native to Texas, northern Mexico
Bloom period
Thymophylla tenuiloba var. tenuiloba blooms Apr-Jun.
How to tell it apart
vs Glebionis: Thymophylla has stiff needle-like leaf segments; Glebionis has broad, flat lobed leaves.; vs Pentachaeta: Thymophylla leaves are divided into needles; Pentachaeta has entire linear leaves.; vs Ericameria: Thymophylla has prominent yellow ray flowers; Ericameria rays are tiny or absent.; vs Eriophyllum: Thymophylla leaves are stiff needles; Eriophyllum leaves are woolly-soft and lobed.; vs Lasthenia: Thymophylla is a woody perennial with needle leaves; Lasthenia is annual with smooth entire leaves.
Frequently asked questions
Is Thymophylla tenuiloba var. tenuiloba native to California?
No. Thymophylla tenuiloba var. tenuiloba is not native to California (recorded as not native).
When does Thymophylla tenuiloba var. tenuiloba bloom?
Thymophylla tenuiloba var. tenuiloba blooms Apr-Jun.
What plant family does Thymophylla tenuiloba var. tenuiloba belong to?
Thymophylla tenuiloba var. tenuiloba is in the Asteraceae family, genus Thymophylla.
What habitat does Thymophylla tenuiloba var. tenuiloba grow in?
Thymophylla tenuiloba var. tenuiloba grows in Escaped from cultivation, coastal scrub, disturbed sites.
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.