Lasthenia spp.
goldfields
Western North America and western South America
Overview
Lasthenia spp. is a genus of about 20 species of mostly annual herbs in the family Asteraceae, native to western North America and western South America, with the greatest concentration in California. Plants are small and slender, 5-40 cm (2-16 in) tall, with narrow, opposite, sometimes lobed leaves on simple or branched stems. Each stem is topped by a single daisy-like flower head 1-2.5 cm (0.4-1 in) across, with a ring of golden-yellow ray florets around a yellow disc. Where conditions suit them, the annual species germinate in their thousands after winter rains and bloom together, carpeting grasslands, vernal pool margins, and coastal flats in sheets of gold, which gives the common name goldfields. The dry seeds are tiny and shed as the plants wither. Most species are spring ephemerals that complete their life cycle in a few months and die as the soil dries. They depend on seasonal moisture and open, sunny ground, and disappear where taller vegetation or summer drought takes hold.
Native Range
Lasthenia spp. is native to western North America, especially California and the Pacific states, with a few species in western South America. Plants grow in open grasslands, vernal pools, salt marshes, and coastal bluffs that are moist in winter and spring and dry in summer.Suggested Uses
Lasthenia spp. is sown in native and wildflower meadows, vernal pool restorations, and seasonal-bloom plantings of the western states for its spring carpets of gold. It suits seasonally wet or clay ground where many plants fail. The early flowers support native bees at the start of the season.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2" - 1'4"
Width/Spread2" - 8"
Bloom Information
Flowering comes in spring, February to May, timed to the drying of winter-wet soils. The golden heads open together across whole stands and draw native bees and other early pollinators. Seed sets within weeks, and the plants die as the ground dries for summer.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
GreenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Water & Climate
Water Needs
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Lasthenia spp. grows in full sun on open ground that is moist through winter and spring and dry in summer, including heavy clay, vernal pool beds, and coastal sands. The annual species are sown from seed in autumn to germinate with the rains and flower the following spring. Plants need bare, sunny ground and are quickly crowded out by grasses and taller plants. They tolerate seasonal flooding and salty soils that exclude many wildflowers. No summer water is needed, as the plants die after seeding. Reliable bloom depends on autumn and winter rainfall.Pruning
These spring annuals are not pruned. Plants are left to flower, set seed, and wither in place, dropping seed for the next season. Dead growth is cleared once seed has shed if a tidy appearance is wanted.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons
✓ Toxicity
Non-toxicPlanting Guide
Planting Methods & Timing
Planting Method
direct sow
Plant Spacing
4 inches