superbloomings:
Let’s take a look at some Coast Goldenfields (Lasthènia chrysótoma).Found in the...
Let’s take a look at some Coast Goldenfields (Lasthènia chrysótoma).
Found in the Sunflower Family (Asteraceae) this common annual herb can be found in grassy openings in Chaparral and Coastal Sage Scrub, blooming from March through May.
Fun facts: If you’ve picked one flower you are actually holding an entire bouquet since each flower is made of many tiny flowers gathered on a common receptacle. Apart of the largest family consisting of 129 species in the Santa Monica Mountains, L. chrysótoma is in the Helenieae tribe. The Jack of Spades always held one of these flowers in his hand on early Spanish California playing cards. The Señoritas called it “si me quieres, no me quieres,” meaning “love me, love me not;” a game more familiar among young ladies with daisies.
Ancient Facts: The name Lasthènia remembers the Greek woman who dressed as a man so she could attend the lectures of Plato. Chrysótoma means “goldenmouthed.”
References:
Dale, N. (2000). Flowering plants of the Santa Monica Mountains: Coastal and chaparral regions of Southern California. Sacramento: California Native Plant Society.
McAuley, M., & Kenney, J. P. (1985). Wildflowers of the Santa Monica mountains. Canoga Park, CA: Canyon Pub.
