Lasthenia californica
California goldfields
Overview
Lasthenia californica is a small annual herb in the aster family (Asteraceae), reaching 2-12 inches (5-30 cm) tall on slender, sometimes reddish stems that branch from the base. The narrow, linear leaves are 0.4-2 inches (1-5 cm) long, opposite, untoothed, and lined with soft hairs. Each stem tip carries a single daisy-like flower head 0.3-0.6 inch (8-15 mm) across, with 6-13 golden-yellow ray florets surrounding a yellow disk. Blooming in early spring, the plant can germinate, flower, and set seed within a few weeks of winter rains, and in good years it covers open ground in sheets of gold. The fruit is a small, narrow achene, with or without a tuft of bristles depending on the form. After seeding, the plant dries and dies as the soil warms. One limitation in the garden is its short season and dependence on cool, moist spring conditions, after which it disappears until the next year.
Native Range
Lasthenia californica is native to western North America, ranging through California and into southern Oregon, Arizona, Nevada, and Baja California. It grows in open grasslands, coastal bluffs, vernal pool margins, and disturbed slopes, often on serpentine or alkaline soils.Suggested Uses
This species is used in California native wildflower meadows, seasonal seed mixes, rock gardens, and shallow containers. Its early bloom draws native bees and other spring pollinators. Mass sowings recreate the goldfields displays of open grassland.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2" - 1'
Width/Spread2" - 6"
Bloom Information
Flowering occurs in early to mid-spring, mainly February through May depending on rainfall and elevation. The golden heads open soon after winter rains and persist for several weeks. Seed ripens quickly, and plants die back as the dry season begins.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 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 californica grows in full sun in well-drained sandy, clay, or rocky soils, including serpentine and mildly alkaline ground that excludes many other species. It depends on cool-season moisture from fall and winter rains, then completes its cycle before summer drought. Seed is sown in fall for spring bloom, and plants need no irrigation once seasonal rains arrive. The species tolerates poor, low-nutrient soils and needs no fertilizer. In gardens it suits wildflower meadows, rock gardens, and containers that mimic its seasonal moisture. After seeding it dies back, leaving bare ground until the next wet season.Pruning
Pruning is not applicable to this short-lived annual. Plants are left to flower and set seed, then dry up naturally as the season ends. No cutting or shaping is involved.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons