Hulsea vestita is a species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae known by the common name pumice alpinegold.
It is native to eastern and southern California, where various subspecies grow in separate mountain ranges from the High Sierra to the Transverse Ranges and Peninsular Ranges, and Madrean Sky Islands in the Mojave Desert. One subspecies (Hulsea vestita ssp. inyoensis) also occurs in western Nevada.Calflora taxon report, University of California: Hulsea vestita (pumice alpinegold) . accessed 2.2.2013Biota of North America Program 2014 county distribution map
The plant can generally be found on the talus of mountain slopes, often in soils of volcanic origin.
Description Hulsea vestita is a perennial herb growing a basal patch of thick leaves and stems up to a meter (40 inches) tall, but generally much shorter. The woolly, spoon-shaped leaves are gray-green and may have ruffled edges.Flora of North America, Hulsea vestita A. Gray, 1865. Pumice alpinegold
The thick flower heads have glandular, hairy green phyllaries. The center of the daisylike head contains many long golden disc florets and a fringe of golden to reddish ray florets up to 2 centimeters (0.8 inches) long.
Subspecies Subspecies of Hulsea vestita include: Hulsea vestita ssp. callicarpha (beautiful hulsea) — Southern CaliforniaCalflora taxon report, University of California: Hulsea vestita ssp. callicarpha Hulsea vestita ssp. gabrielensis (San Gabriel Mtns. sunflower) — San Gabriel Mountains, other Transverse Ranges.Calflora taxon report, University of California: Hulsea vestita ssp. gabrielensis Hulsea vestita ssp. inyoensis (Inyo hulsea, pumice alpinegold) — Inyo Mountains, Death Valley N.P. ranges, and others in Inyo/Mono Counties & W. Nevada.Calflora taxon report, University of California: Hulsea vestita ssp. inyoensis Hulsea vestita ssp. parryi (Parry's alpinegold) — San Bernardino Mountains, other Transverse & Peninsular ranges, Sierras.Calflora taxon report, University of California: Hulsea vestita ssp. parryi Hulsea vestita ssp. pygmaea (pygmy alpinegold) — San Bernardino Mnts, Southern Sierras.Calflora taxon report, University of California: Hulsea vestita ssp. pygmaea Hulsea vestita ssp. vestita (pumice alpinegold) — Sierras, east Transverse ranges.Calflora taxon report, University of California: Hulsea vestita ssp. vestita
References
External links Jepson Manual Treatment — Hulsea vestita USDA Plants Profile: Hulsea vestita (pumice alpinegold) Hulsea vestita — Calphotos Photo gallery, University of California