''Blennosperma nanum'' is an annual plant in the
daisy family
The family Asteraceae, alternatively Compositae, consists of over 32,000 known species of flowering plants in over 1,900 genera within the order Asterales. Commonly referred to as the aster, daisy, composite, or sunflower family, Compositae w ...
native to
California. Common names include glue-seed, common stickyseed, and yellow carpet.
[Calflora taxon report, University of California, ''Blennosperma nanum'' (Hook.) S.F. Blake, common stickyseed, yellow carpet ]
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Description
It is an annual with small yellow flower heads
A pseudanthium (Greek for "false flower"; ) is an inflorescence that resembles a flower. The word is sometimes used for other structures that are neither a true flower nor a true inflorescence. Examples of pseudanthia include flower heads, compos ...
The heads are a paler yellow than many other daisy-like flowers, and the ring of stamens ooze a viscous white juice containing the pollen. The fruits are also carried in a gluey fluid. The Greek name for the genus means "slimy seed."[Flora of North America, ''Blennosperma nanum'' (Hooker) S. F. Blake]
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Distribution
The species is distributed throughout the lower elevations in California from Shasta County to San Diego County,[ but nowhere is it particularly abundant. It is a resident of vernal pool floral communities. Glue-seed is often one of the first flowers to bloom as winter turns to spring.][
;Subspecies][
* ''Blennosperma nanum'' var. ''robustum'': the Point Reyes subspecies of the plant, sometimes called Point Reyes blennosperma, is very rare and is only found in that isolated area.
* ''Blennosperma nanum'' var. ''nanum'' is much more common, and is sometimes called common blennosperma, yellow carpet, or meadow daisy.
]
References
External links
Jepson Flora Project: ''Blennosperma nanum''
{{Taxonbar, from=Q4926082
Senecioneae
Endemic flora of California
Flora of the Sierra Nevada (United States)
Natural history of the California chaparral and woodlands
Natural history of the California Coast Ranges
Natural history of the Central Valley (California)
Natural history of the Peninsular Ranges
Endemic flora of the San Francisco Bay Area
Plants described in 1833
Taxa named by William Jackson Hooker
Flora without expected TNC conservation status