Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria

View additional distribution information on the Jepson eflora

Lasthenia platycarpha is a species of flowering plant in the daisy family known by the common name alkali goldfields. It is endemic to California, where it is known mainly from the Central Valley. It grows in alkali flats and other areas with alkaline soils. Lasthenia platycarpha is an annual herb producing an erect stem approaching 30 centimeters in maximum height. The oppositely arranged leaves are up to 6 centimeters long, sometimes lobed, and sometimes coated in hairs. The inflorescence bears small flower heads with centers of gold disc florets and 6 to 13 golden yellow ray florets each just under a centimeter long. The fruit is a hairy achene with a pappus at the top.

Plant type

Annual herb

Size

12 in Tall

Calscape icon
Color

Yellow

Plant communities

Valley Grassland, Wetland-Riparian

Caterpillars
Butterflies

Butterflies and moths supported

0 confirmed and 1 likely

Confirmed Likely

Small Heliothodes Moth

Heliothodes diminutivus