Trixis californica – “Trixis”

Also Known As: American Threefold
Family: Sunflower (Asteraceae)
Bloom Period: Jan-May
Form: Perennial subshrub
Habitat: Rocky soils
Leaves: Lanceolate, sometimes toothed; alternate
Translation: “Trixis” is Greek and translates as “triple,” referring to the number of lobes on one of the flower’s petals; “californica” means “Californian.”
Notes: Each flower head is made up of several to many individual flowers, each with two petals: one is short and two-lobed and the other is long with three lobes at the tip. The old flower heads can persist on the plant until the following season and are attractive in and of themselves, their fluted tubes making them appear flower-like.
Native American Uses: Native Americans smoked the leaves like tobacco and brewed a tea from the roots to ease childbirth.