California cudweed
ExplorePlants
California cudweed
Pseudognaphalium californicum
California cudweed is a soft, fuzzy plant that grows in sunny places. It has small white flowers and is often found in fields and along roadsides. This plant is a great friend to butterflies and bees!
Habitat: Grasslands
Appearance
The California cudweed has soft, woolly, light green to grey-green leaves, giving it a fuzzy appearance. Its stems are often reddish, topped with clusters of tiny, disc-like flowers. These blooms typically appear creamy white or pale yellow, sometimes with a pinkish tint.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderAsteralesFamilyAsteraceaeGenusPseudognaphalium
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
Its fluffy leaves were once traditionally used as pillow stuffing, like natural plant clouds!
People historically burned dried cudweed as incense because of its unique, aromatic scent.
The 'cud' in its name might come from an old word related to chewing, possibly from animal fodder.
This plant is an expert at popping up quickly after a wildfire, helping new life begin!
Special abilities
Ability
Woolly Wonder
California cudweed has fuzzy leaves that help it store water and reduce evaporation, enabling it to survive in dry places.
Ability
Pioneer Power
California cudweed can quickly grow in disturbed soil after fires or construction, helping to heal the land.
Ability
Seed Spreader
California cudweed produces many tiny, lightweight seeds that can float on the wind, spreading far and wide to new locations.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 10-60 cm
- Spread
- 15-40 cm
- Flower Size
- 0.3-0.8 cm
- Bloom Season
- Spring to fall
- Edible
- No
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Annual
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
pollinates
European honey bee
Apis mellifera
Collects nectar and pollen from its tiny flowers.
pollinates
Yellow-faced bumblebee
Bombus vosnesenskii
A native pollinator that visits the plant's blooms.
eaten by
Desert cottontail
Sylvilagus audubonii
Young rabbits may nibble on its soft leaves.
Traits
Furry
Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur.
Ornamental
Ornamental plants are cultivated primarily for their aesthetic appeal, enhancing landscapes and gardens with their attractive foliage, flowers, or form.
Fragrant Flower
Fragrant flowers emit a pleasant aroma, often to attract pollinators or for defense.
Drought Tolerant
Drought-tolerant plants can survive and flourish in conditions with limited water availability.
Grassland
Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always ask an adult before touching or picking plants.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is California cudweed?
10-60 cm
How wide does California cudweed spread?
15-40 cm
How big are the flowers on California cudweed?
0.3-0.8 cm
When does California cudweed bloom?
Spring to fall
Is California cudweed edible?
No
Is California cudweed toxic?
None
What is California cudweed's lifecycle?
Annual
How is California cudweed pollinated?
Insect
Snap Map
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