Micropus californicus
Q-tips
California Floristic Province; western United States and northwestern Mexico
Drought Tolerant
Native to North America
SunFull Sun
Overview
Micropus californicus is a small annual herb in the daisy family, growing 2–12 inches (5–30 cm) tall on slender, erect stems. The entire plant is covered in dense white woolly hairs, giving the foliage and stems a grey-white, cottony surface. Leaves are narrow, alternate, and 0.2–0.8 inch (5–20 mm) long, clasping the stem. Flower heads are tiny and clustered, each enclosed by woolly bracts that expand as the seeds mature into rounded, cotton-like balls about 0.2 inch (5 mm) across, which give rise to the common name Q-tips. The disc flowers are minute and yellowish, largely hidden within the wool. It germinates with winter rains and completes its life cycle by early summer, then dies back as the soil dries. The species occupies open grassland, sandy flats, and disturbed ground below 4,000 feet (1,200 m) across California and into Baja California and southern Oregon. Because it is an annual that depends on seasonal rainfall, the plant is absent from the landscape for much of the year and reappears only where soil moisture allows germination. It is rarely grown in gardens and is encountered mainly in wildland and restoration plantings.
Native Range
Micropus californicus is native to the western United States and northwestern Mexico, with its range centered in California and extending into southern Oregon and Baja California.Suggested Uses
It is used in native habitat restoration and as a component of California grassland seed mixes. Its small stature and complete summer dieback mean it contributes ground cover only during the wet season.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2" - 1'
Width/Spread2" - 6"
Colors
Foliage Colors
Bloom Information
Flowering occurs from March to May, with tiny yellowish disc flowers concealed within woolly bracts. The heads mature into cotton-like seed balls through late spring. By early summer the plant has set seed and dried.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
yellowish, hidden in white woolFoliage Description
grey-green, densely white-woollyGrowing 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
Drought Tolerance
Drought tolerant when established
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
As a winter-germinating annual, Micropus californicus grows in full sun on sandy or clay soils with low fertility. It depends on autumn and winter rainfall and needs no supplemental watering in its native range. It tolerates poor, compacted, and disturbed soils but does not persist on shaded or consistently moist sites. Plants complete growth in a single season and reproduce only by seed. It is seldom cultivated and is not generally available through the nursery trade.Pruning
No pruning is applicable. As an annual, the plant dies after setting seed and is not cut back or shaped. Spent plants may be left in place to allow seed dispersal.⚠️ Toxicity Warning
UnknownPlanting Guide
Planting Methods & Timing
Planting Method
direct sow
Direct Sow Timing
fall