Fitches Spikeweed

Centromadia fitchii occurs widely in northern and central California (except deserts) and southwestern Oregon and has putatively introduced populations in southwestern California. Unlike most other members of Centromadia, C. fitchii often occurs in upland, presumably well-drained sites. Putative natural hybrids with C. parryi subsp. rudis have been noted (e.g., D. D. Keck 2573, UC, from San Joaquin Co., California).

Plants 5–50 cm. Leaves densely villous or hirsute, stipitate-glandular (glands yellow, brown, or black). Involucres 5–10 mm. Anthers reddish to dark purple. Pappi of 8–12 narrowly oblanceo-late to linear scales. 2n = 26.

Hemizonia fitchii A. Gray in War Department [U.S.], Pacif. Railr. Rep. 4(5): 109. 1857

Centromadia fitchii, common name Fitch's spikeweed or Fitch's tarweed, is a species of North American plants in the tribe Madieae within the family Asteraceae. It is native to California and southwestern Oregon.

Centromadia fitchii is an herb up to 50 cm (20 inches) tall. It produces arrays of numerous yellow flower heads with both ray florets and disc florets.