Foothill Sunburst (Pseudobahia heermanii)
Family: Sunflower (Asteraceae)
Aliases: Foothill Pseudobahia, Heermann's Golden Sunburst
The flowers of Foothill Sunburst and Goldfields look virtually identical and often share territory; to tell them apart, look at the leaves. Goldfields leaves are simple, straight-line units, while Foothill Sunburst leaves branch and meander like the veins in Mick Jagger's eyes at six in the morning. Goldfields leaves also grow neatly in opposite pairs while Foothill Sunburst leaves are alternate and more erratic in pattern.
Blooms: March - May
Pseudobahia heermanii etymology: Pseudobahia means "false bahia," and refers to the plant's resemblance to bahia, a genus of flowering plants found in the southwestern United States. Heermanii is homage to American naturalist Adolphus L. Heermann (1818 - 1865).
This Photo: Along the Hite Cove trail, mid April
More Foothill Sunburst
 Closeup |
 Leaves |