Tolpis barbata
European milkwort
(c) Mehdi Chetibi, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Mehdi Chetibi · licence
Family: Asteraceae · Type: Herb · Not Native
Tolpis barbata (European milkwort) is a non-native California herb in the Asteraceae family, recognized by Only Tolpis species naturalized in California, European introduction with dimorphic fruits.
European milkwort is a naturalized annual found in coastal central California, including the central coast and northern coastal ranges, on grassy slopes and disturbed sites at elevations below 600 meters. Flowering from April to June, this plant produces delicate white to yellow flowers in small clusters. Growing with slender stems up to 70 centimeters tall, it has a spreading, branching habit. Its leaves are oblong, 2 to 15 centimeters long, ranging from entire to slightly lobed, with smaller leaves toward the stem tips. The plant's distinctive flower heads have linear phyllaries 6 to 15 millimeters long that spread outward, creating a delicate, open inflorescence.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Only Tolpis species naturalized in California, European introduction with dimorphic fruits
Habitat and range
Habitat: Uncommon. Grassy slopes, disturbed sites
Elevation: < 600 m
Outside California: native to southern Europe
Bloom period
Tolpis barbata blooms Apr-Jun.
How to tell it apart
vs Madia: Tolpis has long linear bracts extending beyond flowers; Madia has regular bracts and glandular foliage.; vs Chaetadelpha: Tolpis has yellow flowers; Chaetadelpha has pink to white flowers.; vs Microseris: Tolpis has conspicuous long outer bracts; Microseris has regular bracts and nodding buds.; vs Stebbinsoseris: Tolpis has dramatically elongated outer bracts; Stebbinsoseris has regular-length bracts.; vs Uropappus: Tolpis has long ribbon-like outer bracts; Uropappus has regular bracts and 5 silvery pappus scales.
Frequently asked questions
Is Tolpis barbata native to California?
No. Tolpis barbata is not native to California (recorded as not native).
When does Tolpis barbata bloom?
Tolpis barbata blooms Apr-Jun.
What plant family does Tolpis barbata belong to?
Tolpis barbata is in the Asteraceae family, genus Tolpis.
What habitat does Tolpis barbata grow in?
Tolpis barbata grows in Uncommon. Grassy slopes, disturbed sites.
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.