Yellow pincushion (Chaenactis glabriuscula var. glabriuscula) is an annual that grows in a wide variety of habitats in California and Baja California, generally in dry open places, including sand dunes or serpentine soil. In spring, yellow flowers bloom in a tuft or “pincushion” on stalks above a basal rosette of leaves. The outermost flowers of the tuft are larger and flat-faced.
Yellow pincushion can be grown from seed, preferably in full sun on sand or gravel. It is attractive when massed and can bloom up to eight months of the year. This plant is drought tolerant.
The flowers attract pollinators.