About Senecio californicus DC.
Senecio californicus is an annual herb that grows from a taproot, reaching heights of 10 to 40 centimeters, and occasionally growing taller. Its stems may grow singly or in branching clusters. The leaf blades are linear or lance-shaped, measuring up to 7 centimeters long; the leaves are sometimes fleshy, particularly for individuals growing along the coastline. The inflorescence produces one to ten or more flower heads. Each flower head is lined with typically around 21 phyllaries that have black tips. Flower heads hold many yellow disc florets, and each head usually has 13 yellow ray florets that are roughly 1 centimeter long. This species blooms from March to May. It is native to Central and Southern California in the United States, and Baja California in Mexico. It grows in the Coastal strand, Coastal sage scrub, and Chaparral habitats, most often in sandy areas. It is frequently found on coastal sand dunes, and also occurs in the Peninsular Ranges, extending into the central and eastern Transverse Ranges.
