It was hard not to notice this wildflower while travelling around the Las Vegas area – in some cases, it was growing right along the edge of the road.
This species is native to a large part of California, Oregon and surrounding areas, where it is a very common member of the flora community in a number of habitats.
Large populations of this species bloom at once in the Spring to produce the carpets of yellow on hillsides and in meadows – this phenomenon gives this plant its common name.
California Goldfield is usually just a few inches tall, with many short, slender, reddish-green stems bearing narrow leaves, mostly near the base.
With a flower no larger than a quarter, it attracts a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies.
California Goldfields are variable in appearance as they adapt to their environment. The plants grow taller with more rainfall, whereas the leaves grow smaller and tougher with less rainfall.
This tough species is known to tolerate soil better that is less than optimal for other plants.