About Erigeron reductus (Cronquist) G.L.Nesom
Erigeron reductus, commonly known as lesser California rayless fleabane, is a species of flowering plant in the Asteraceae family. It is endemic to California, ranging from Trinity County south to Alameda County and El Dorado County. This plant grows in rocky habitats across several mountain ranges in the northern portion of the state. It is a perennial herb that produces several spreading to erect stems up to 30 centimeters (12 inches) long, growing from a woody caudex and root system. Each stem is evenly lined with small, thready leaves, and is topped by an inflorescence holding one or more flower heads. Each glandular flower head is up to 1 centimeter (0.4 inches) wide, and contains many yellow disc florets with no ray florets. Its fruit is an achene with a pappus made of bristles. Two varieties of this species are recognized. Erigeron reductus var. angustatus is found in the Coast Ranges from Trinity County to Alameda County. Erigeron reductus var. reductus is found in the Trinity Mountains and Sierra Nevada from Trinity County to El Dorado County. The two varieties intergrade in their overlapping range in Trinity County.
