Microseris campestris
Microseris campestris is a species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae known by the common name San Joaquin silverpuffs. It is endemic to California, where it grows in the San [Joaquin Valley] and adjacent Sierra Nevada foothills, and the central California Coast Ranges. It is a resident of grassland and open slope habitats, sometimes near vernal pools.
Description
Microseris campestris is an annual herb growing up to half a meter-1.5 feet tall from a basal rosette of erect leaves; there is no true stem. Each leaf is up to 20 centimeters long and has edges divided into many lobes.The inflorescence is borne on a peduncle arising from ground level. The flower head contains up to 100 white or yellow ray florets. The fruit is an achene with a gray or brown, sometimes speckled body a few millimeters long. At the tip of the body is a large pappus made up of five long, bristly scales.