Plants of the San Marcos Foothills Preserve
Centaurea melitensis (tocalote)
Relatively common, non-native annual herb found in the Atascadero Creek watershed along trails. Flowers are yellow. Blooms spring through summer.
Centaruea melitensis (Tocalote). NON-NATIVE. Pictured in late winter.
Close up of flowers and spines in summer.
Centaruea melitensis (Tocalote). NON-NATIVE. Pictured in late summer.
Seedlings of Centaurea melitensis (tocalote) pictured after rains in winter.
Centaruea melitensis (Tocalote). NON-NATIVE. Pictured in late summer.
Centaruea melitensis (Tocalote). NON-NATIVE. Pictured in late summer.