Gnaphalium californicum DC. Asteraceae (Sunflower Family) Native California Everlasting

                                April Photo

Plant Characteristics:  Biennial, stoutish, 4-8 dm. high, corymbosely branched at summit, leafy, green, glandular, strongly scented; lower lvs. oblong-lanceolate, 4-10 cm. long, cauline gradually reduced and more lanceolate; infl. a large terminal paniculate corymb; invol. 6-7 mm. high, rounded, pistillate corollas 3-4 mm., phyllaries mostly white, blunt to broadly rounded; pappus bristles free.

Habitat:  Dry hills, disturbed places, etc. below 4500 ft.; Chaparral, etc.; L. Calif. to Ore. Santa Catalina Id. Jan-July.

Name:  See G. bicolor for origin of genus name.  Californicum, means first found in Calif.  (Dale 13).

General:  Occasional in the study area.  Photographed on the Castaway's Bluffs.  (my comments).     It is reported that sleeping on a pillow made of these flowers will cure catarrh, an inflammation of the mucous membranes.  (Dale 64).

Text Ref:  Hickman, Ed. 271; Munz, Flora So. Calif. 170; Roberts 11.

Photo Ref:  Feb. 2 84 # 9,10.

Identity: by R. De Ruff, confirmed by F. Roberts.  

Computer Ref: Plant Data 173.

Have plant specimen.

Last edit 5/28/00.

                                            February Photo