The colors below indicate the kind of documentation available for this species
in the California counties where it occurs.
Helianthella Helianthella californica var. nevadensis (Asteraceae)
Helianthella is related to Helianthus, the familiar sunflower. Its flower head which is much smaller than that of a sunflower is about 6 cm in maximum diameter (just over 2 inches). The fruits resulting from pollinated flowers are called achenes. Like miniature sunflower seeds, they are small, dry, hard, and contain only one seed. They are much too small for human consumption but provide a dependable source of food for birds in late summer and fall.
DISTRIBUTION: Grassy sites, open woodland and forest margins from the Inner North Coast and Cascade Ranges and the Sierra Nevada to the southern Peninsular Ranges; 250-2600 m.
