Deinandra clementina is a species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae, commonly known as Clementine tarweed. It is native to Southern California and northern Baja California, where it occurs in coastal and inland habitats such as chaparral, grassland, and open woodlands.
Taxonomy
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Clade: Angiosperms
- Clade: Eudicots
- Order: Asterales
- Family: Asteraceae
- Genus: Deinandra
- Species: D. clementina
The authority for the species is (A.Gray) B.G.Baldw., indicating that Asa Gray originally described the taxon and it was later transferred to the genus Deinandra by B. G. Baldwin.
Description
Deinandra clementina is an annual herb that typically reaches heights of 30–80 cm. The plant produces a branching stem with opposite, lanceolate leaves that are woolly or glandular in texture. Flower heads are arranged in loose panicles; each head contains yellow disk florets surrounded by yellow ray florets up to 1 cm long. The involucre bracts are covered with fine hairs, and the fruit is an achene equipped with a pappus of bristles for wind dispersal.
Distribution and Habitat
The species is endemic to the Peninsular Ranges and adjacent coastal areas. In California it is recorded from San Diego County and nearby inland valleys; its range extends southward into the northern part of the Mexican state of Baja California. It prefers well‑drained soils and is often found on slopes, cliffs, and disturbed sites such as roadsides.
Ecology
Flowering occurs from March to June, coinciding with the activity of native pollinators such as bees and small flies. The plant’s seeds are adapted for wind dispersal, facilitating colonization of open or recently disturbed habitats.
Conservation Status
Deinandra clementina is not listed as threatened on the IUCN Red List. However, its limited geographic range makes it susceptible to habitat loss from urban development, agriculture, and fire regime changes. State and local conservation agencies monitor populations within protected areas such as regional preserves and state parks.
References
- Baldwin, B. G. (1999). “Taxonomic treatment of the genus Deinandra (Asteraceae: Madieae).” Madroño 46(2): 273–306.
- Calflora Database. “Deinandra clementina (Clementine tarweed).” Accessed July 2026.
- USDA NRCS Plant Database. “Deinandra clementina.” Accessed July 2026.
