Heterotheca oregona is a species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae known by the common names Oregon false goldenaster or rayless false goldenaster. It is native to Washington, Oregon, and California as far south as San Luis Obispo County.Biota of North America Program 2014 county distribution mapCalflora taxon report, University of California, Heterotheca oregona (Nutt.) Shinn., Oregon false goldenaster, Oregon golden aster Turner Photographics, Heterotheca villosa - Wildflowers of the Pacific Northwest photos, description, partial distribution map
Description Heterotheca oregona is found in gravelly or sandy soils, usually near streambanks, washes, and other alluvial habitats. This is a perennial herb which is variable in appearance, with four somewhat indistinct varieties. It reaches a maximum height of 20 centimeters (8 inches) to one meter (40 inches), and is covered in small bristles. The inflorescence contains 1-15 flower heads in a flat-topped array. Each head has 14-60 yellowish disc florets but no ray florets. The fruit is an achene with a long grayish pappus.Flora of North America, Heterotheca oregona (Nuttall) Shinners, 1951. Oregon goldenaster
Varieties Heterotheca oregona var. compacta (D.D.Keck) Semple from Monterey County to Siskiyou County Heterotheca oregona var. oregona - Washington, Oregon, California as far south as Monterey County Heterotheca oregona var. rudis (Greene) Semple - Oregon, California as far south as San Benito County and Amador County Heterotheca oregona var. scaberrima (A.Gray) Semple from Glenn County to San Luis Obispo County
References
External links Jepson Manual Treatment United States Department of Agriculture Plants Profile Calphotos Photo gallery, University of California