Q Tips

Though common and often found on recent disturbances within its range, Micropus californicus does not appear to be particularly invasive or weedy. The mature pistillate paleae, with roughly the profile of a harp or of an inverted lower-case letter "q," are distinctive. That shape and the accompanying dense, cottony indument of the common variety explain the vernacular names. By contrast, pistillate paleae of M. amphibolus have roughly the profile of a human head wearing a billed cap.

Within the more limited range of var. subvestitus, the two varieties are broadly sympatric, usually in separate populations, occasionally in mixed populations that sometimes include intermediate plants.

Plants 1–50 cm. Heads depressed-spheric, 2–4 × 3–6 mm. Receptacles depressed-spheric, mostly 0.3–0.6 mm, heights 0.5–0.8 times diams. Pistillate paleae 4–7(–8) in 1 series, longest 2–4 mm; wings obscure, withering, lateral, ± erect, narrowly oblanceolate, involute; bodies galeate, cartilaginous to bony throughout, sericeous to lanuginose. Staminate paleae 0. Staminate corollas 1–2 mm, lobes usually 5. Cypselae 1.4–2.6 mm, corolla scars ± median; pappi: staminate 0 or of 1, ± smooth bristle 0.9–1.5 mm.

Bombycilaena californica (Fischer & C. A. Meyer) Holub

Micropus californicus has a bioregional distribution that includes the California Floristic Province, western Oregon and northwest Baja California; elevations of occurrence are less than 1700 meters. Having habitats of variable characteristics, this species is variously found in dry or moist, bare or grassy places

Also known by the common name Slender cottongrass, this wildflower has an inflorescence with heads two to four millimeters across.

Micropus californicus is a plant in the family Asteraceae which is known by the common name slender cottonweed. Its flowerheads resemble very small cotton balls, often rounded with cottony white hairs forming the pappus of each seed. The individual plants are known more informally as Q-tips due to their resemblance to the cotton swabs. It is found mostly in California, and into Oregon and northern Baja California. This plant is a resident of the vernal pool plant community.