Chaenactis glabriuscula, commonly known as yellow pincushion, is an annual herb in the daisy family. It is native to various habitats in California and Baja California, including the Sierra Nevada foothills. The plant usually grows to a height of 4-16 inches (10-40 cm) with a similar spread. Yellow pincushion is characterized by its hairy, cobwebby stems and clusters of small, bright yellow tubular flowers that bloom from March to June, adding a splash of color to the landscape.

Yellow pincushion is appreciated for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor, well-drained soils, making it a suitable choice for xeriscaping and wildflower gardens. It is often used in restoration projects due to its adaptability and the role it plays in supporting native pollinators. While it prefers full sun, it can tolerate some light shade. Regular watering can extend the flowering period, but the plant is quite resilient to dry conditions once established. The variety Chaenactis glabriuscula var. orcuttiana, or Orcutt’s yellow pincushion, is considered rare and is threatened by coastal habitat development, although some populations have been discovered in urban areas of Southern California. Gardeners should be aware that while yellow pincushion is generally disease-free, it can be short-lived and may not persist in the garden without reseeding.CC BY-SA 4.0