San Diego County Sunflower
(Bahiopsis laciniata)
San Diego County Sunflower (Bahiopsis laciniata)
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Stickpen
Public domain
Image By:
Stickpen
Recorded By:
Copyright:
Public domain
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Stickpen | License Type: Public domain | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/public-domain/ | Uploader: Stickpen | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Viguieralaciniata2.JPG | Notes: Banksia ericifolia (red styles/orange body) Erowal Bay Photo: Suellen Harris Autumn 2005 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Bahiopsis laciniata, commonly known as San Diego County Sunflower, is an evergreen shrub or subshrub native to the coastal sage scrub and chaparral of Southern California and extending into central Baja California. It is a member of the aster family and is adapted to dry, well-drained soils. Typically, it reaches heights of over one meter and can spread equally wide. The plant’s form is somewhat sprawling, with deeply lobed leaves that give it a distinctive texture. The inflorescence consists of solitary or clustered sunflower-like flower heads, each with bright yellow ray florets that can be 6 millimeters to over a centimeter long, blooming from spring to summer. The flowers are attractive to pollinators, and the resulting fruit is an achene topped with a pappus, aiding in wind dispersal.
Bahiopsis laciniata is valued for its drought tolerance and is often used in xeriscaping and native plant gardens. It provides a splash of color with its showy flowers and is a low-maintenance option for gardeners seeking to create a natural, wildlife-friendly landscape. It thrives in full sun and can tolerate a range of soil types, provided they have good drainage. While it is generally pest-free, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered. This plant is not typically associated with aggressive roots or significant disease problems. It is an excellent choice for adding structure and color to dry garden areas, and its ability to attract pollinators makes it a beneficial addition to any garden focused on supporting local ecosystems.CC BY-SA 4.0
Bahiopsis laciniata is valued for its drought tolerance and is often used in xeriscaping and native plant gardens. It provides a splash of color with its showy flowers and is a low-maintenance option for gardeners seeking to create a natural, wildlife-friendly landscape. It thrives in full sun and can tolerate a range of soil types, provided they have good drainage. While it is generally pest-free, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered. This plant is not typically associated with aggressive roots or significant disease problems. It is an excellent choice for adding structure and color to dry garden areas, and its ability to attract pollinators makes it a beneficial addition to any garden focused on supporting local ecosystems.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub
- Height: 2-3 feet
- Width: 6-8 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Yellow
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Low
- Drainage: Fast, Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Groundcover, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
Coastal sage scrub, chaparral, and grasslands of Southern California and central Baja California
Other Names
Common Names: San Diego Viguiera , Tornleaf Goldeneye
Scientific Names: Viguiera laciniata , Bahiopsis laciniata
GBIF Accepted Name: Bahiopsis laciniata (A.Gray) E.E.Schill. & Panero