Crocanthemum scoparium

Subshrubs. Stems spreading to erect-fastigiate, 10–45 cm, usually sparsely stellate-pubescent to glabrate, sometimes densely lanate. Leaves cauline, tending to be deciduous in summer; petiole 0–2 mm; blade linear, 5–11 × 0.5–2(–3.5) mm, surfaces stellate-pubescent to glabrate abaxially, sparsely stellate-pubescent to glabrate adaxially, lateral veins obscure abaxially. Inflorescences terminal, panicles or racemes; chasmogamous flowers 1–18 per panicle or raceme, cleistogamous 0. Pedicels 2–6 mm, sparsely or not glandular-hairy; bracts 2–4 × 0.3–0.5 mm. Chasmogamous flowers: outer sepals linear, 1.5–3.5 × 0.3 mm, inner sepals 3.5–5(–7.5) × 2–3 mm, apex acute to acuminate; calyx stellate-pubescent, hairs to 1 mm; petals obovate, 3–6 × 3–5 mm; capsules 2.8–3.8 × 2–2.5 mm, glabrous.

Distribution

• Generated Map
• Legacy Map

Calif., nw Mexico.

Discussion

Varieties 2 (2 in the flora).

Even with the recognition of Crocanthemum aldersonii and C. suffrutescens as separate species, morphological diversity within C. scoparium still remains considerable. The two varieties here recognized show differences in habit, average plant height, number of flowers, and distribution. Another variant occurs sporadically along the coast and on Santa Cruz Island, from Monterey to San Diego counties; vegetative parts (at least distal branches, pedicels, and sepals) are covered with white, lanate hairs. This variant has never been formally named. Another form from coastal Mendocino County was called “Helianthemum mendocinensis” by Alice Eastwood on a specimen (H. E. Brown 785, JEPS); the name was never published. These plants have densely stellate-pubescent stems and exceptionally elongate sepal tips.

Selected References

None.

Lower Taxa

Crocanthemum scoparium var. scoparium, Crocanthemum scoparium var. vulgare

Key

1	Stems mostly 10–30 cm, divaricate and spreading or curved proximally and erect distally; mostly near-coastal.	Crocanthemum scoparium var. scoparium
1	Stems usually 30–45 cm, usually erect-fastigiate, sometimes curved proximally and erect distally; mostly inland.	Crocanthemum scoparium var. vulgare