Flora of North America species comparison

Most extant populations of Horkelia cuneata are referable to var. cuneata or intermediates between it and the other two varieties, with the greatest concentrations around Monterey Bay and from Morro Bay to Santa Barbara. At its most distinctive, var. cuneata occurs from Santa Cruz to Los Angeles counties, often sharing habitat with var. sericea though also occurring somewhat more inland, but not as far inland as var. puberula. Although not as endangered as the extremes, unequivocal var. cuneata is far from abundant and shares some of the same threats to its prime coastal habitat.

(Discussion copyrighted by Flora of North America; reprinted with permission.)

Of conservation concern.

At its most distinctive, var. puberula is represented by historic collections from the hills and plains of Los Angeles, western Riverside, extreme southwestern San Bernardino, and northwestern San Diego counties; these populations have now largely been destroyed by urbanization. Scattered populations still exist within this core area, to what extent and with what level of ensured continuity remains uncertain. In addition, multiple populations of Horkelia cuneata from as far north and west as San Luis Obispo County have characteristics of var. puberula; these tend to intergrade with var. cuneata, as do some historic collections from the core area.

(Discussion copyrighted by Flora of North America; reprinted with permission.)