Helianthella californica is a species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae known by the common name California helianthella. This wildflower is native to the mountains of California, northwestern Nevada, and southwestern Oregon.Biota of North America Program 2014 county distribution map
Helianthella californica is a taprooted perennial herb producing erect stems up to about 60 centimeters (2 feet) tall. The many lance-shaped leaves are up to 4 centimeters (1.6 inches) wide and up to 26 cm (11 inches) long, smooth or slightly toothed along the edges. The inflorescence holds one or more sunflower-like flower heads. Each head has a center of golden disc florets with purple or reddish parts, and a fringe of yellow ray florets one or two centimeters (0.4-0.8 inches) long.Flora of North America, Helianthella californica A. Gray 1857.
SubspeciesThe Plant List, Helianthella californica A.Gray Calflora taxon report, University of California, Helianthella californica A. Gray, California helianthella Helianthella californica subsp. californica - Coast Ranges in area near San Francisco Bay plus a few populations in northern Sierra Nevada Foothills Helianthella californica subsp. nevadensis (Greene) W.A.Weber - Sierra Nevada + Cascades in California, Nevada, + Oregon Helianthella californica subsp. shastensis (W.A.Weber) W.A.Weber - southern Cascades plus Shasta-Trinity area
References
External links Jepson Manual Treatment United States Department of Agriculture Plants Profile Calphotos photo gallery, University of California