Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria

View additional distribution information on the Jepson eflora

Acamptopappus spaerocephalus is a species of flowering plant in the aster family known by the common name rayless goldenhead. It is native to the southwestern United States, where it occurs in southern California, southern Nevada, southern Utah, and Arizona. This shrub or subshrub produces an upright, branching stem with shreddy whitish or gray bark. It approaches one meter in maximum height but generally grows to 20 to 40 centimeters. The gray-green leaves are linear or lance-shaped and are arranged alternately, sometimes growing in small clusters. They are hairless or have small, rough hairs. The inflorescence is a solitary flower head or a small cluster of heads. The head is hemispherical or spherical in shape. It has yellow disc florets and no ray florets. The fruit is an achene tipped with thick scales and bristles.

Plant type

Shrub

Size

8 - 40 in Tall

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Color

Yellow

Flowering season

Spring

Sun

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Water

Very Low

Ease of care

Moderate

Soil drainage

Fast

Site type

Rocky slopes and gravelly flasts

Plant communities

Creosote Bush Scrub, Joshua Tree Woodland