Coastal tidytips (Layia platyglossa, Mem. Amer. Acad. Arts, ser. 2, 4(1): 103 (1849))

Family: Asteraceae

Author: (Fisch. & C.A.Mey.) A.Gray

Bibliography: Mem. Amer. Acad. Arts, ser. 2, 4(1): 103 (1849)

Year: 1849

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Layia

Vegetable: False

Observations: California to Mexico (Baja California Norte)

Description

Coastal tidytips, known scientifically as Layia platyglossa, is a captivating annual wildflower native to the coastal and inland regions stretching from California to northern Baja California, Mexico. Belonging to the Asteraceae family, this plant exhibits the classic characteristics of its family, showcasing vibrant and conspicuous bloom structures.

First described in 1849 and documented in the “Memoirs of the American Academy of Arts,” Layia platyglossa was formally named by the botanists (Fisch. & C.A.Mey.) A.Gray, reflecting the plant’s historical botanical exploration and classification.

Layia platyglossa is celebrated for its stunning, daisy-like flowers which are typically bright yellow with distinctive white tips, forming a radiant halo effect. This unique coloration not only adds a splash of brightness to the landscape but also plays a crucial role in attracting a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies.

In its natural habitat, coastal tidytips thrive in well-drained, sandy or rocky soils, often found in grasslands, open woodlands, and coastal sage scrub environments. When in bloom, the plant creates a blanket of golden-yellow, often transforming entire hillsides into a brilliant display of color, particularly striking during the spring months.

Apart from its aesthetic appeal, Layia platyglossa holds ecological significance. It is instrumental in supporting local wildlife, providing nectar and habitat for pollinators and other insects. This in turn supports the food web, benefiting birds, small mammals, and other creatures that depend on insect populations for sustenance.

For gardeners and plant enthusiasts, coastal tidytips are relatively easy to cultivate, requiring minimal care. They prefer full sun exposure and are drought-tolerant once established, making them suitable for xeriscaping and sustainable landscaping practices. Moreover, their ability to reseed prolifically ensures a recurring display of blossoms year after year with minimal intervention.

In conclusion, coastal tidytips (Layia platyglossa) stand out not only for their vivid, cheerful appearance but also for their role in maintaining biodiversity and enriching their native habitats. Whether admired in the wild or cultivated in a garden, this remarkable wildflower captures the beauty and resilience of nature.

Common Names

Eng: coastal tidytips, tidy-tips, tidy tips
Swe: guldgrävarblomma
En: Coastal tidytips, Tidy-tips, Tidy tips
Sv: Guldgrävarblomma

Synonyms

• Callichroa angustifolia (Walp.)
• Layia elegans ((Nutt.) Torr. & A.Gray)
• Madaroglossa hirsuta (Nutt.)
• Blepharipappus elegans ((Nutt.) Greene)
• Callichroa hirsuta (Walp.)
• Madaroglossa elegans (Nutt.)
• Layia ziegleri (Munz)
• Blepharipappus platyglossus ((Fisch. & C.A.Mey.) Greene)
• Layia platyglossa subsp. campestris (D.D.Keck)
• Layia platyglossa var. breviseta (A.Gray)
• Callichroa platyglossa (Fisch. & C.A.Mey.)

Distribution

• California (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Flower

Taken Jun 26, 2011 by Pedro Gaspar (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 26, 2011 by Pedro Gaspar (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5392998)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:229132-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Layia platyglossa (Fisch. & C.A.Mey.) A.Gray)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth