Brown Elfin
Callophrys augustinus
Tiny brown elfin butterfly with red-spotted hindwing base and hooked wing tip. Early spring emerger; caterpillars feed on native currants and gooseberries. First butterfly signals Bay Area seasonal change.
Plants that support Brown Elfin
18 plants
American Cow-parsnip
Heracleum maximum
perennial herb
Early season nectar source; flight period Apr-Jun
Arroyo Willow
Salix lasiolepis
shrub
Early willow growth supports first brood larvae March-April
Buckbrush
Ceanothus cuneatus var. cuneatus
shrub
primary larval host plant, early spring flight March-April
California Coffeeberry
Frangula californica
shrub
Early spring larval host, one of first plants for this species
California Hoptree
Ptelea crenulata
shrub
Early spring larval host plant; single generation Feb-Apr
California Phacelia
Phacelia californica
perennial herb
Early season nectar source for adults
California Yampah
Perideridia californica
perennial herb
Early spring emergence Feb-Apr; larvae feed on various host plants including some Apiaceae
California goldfields
Lasthenia californica
annual
Early spring nectar source during flight season
Chamise
Adenostoma fasciculatum
shrub
Early spring larvae feed on new growth; critical for early season emergence
Common Woolly Sunflower
Eriophyllum lanatum var. achilleoides
perennial herb
Early spring larvae, overwintered pupae emerge Apr-May
Distant Phacelia
Phacelia distans
annual
Early spring nectar source for newly emerged adults
Exserted Indian Paintbrush
Castilleja exserta subsp. exserta
annual
early spring nectar source for emerging adults
Interior Goldenbush
Ericameria linearifolia
shrub
Early spring host plant for single generation
Pacific Pea
Lathyrus vestitus var. vestitus
vine
Early spring larvae feed on legume foliage
Red Willow
Salix laevigata
shrub
Early spring larval development on young Salix foliage
Soap Plant
Chlorogalum pomeridianum
geophyte
Larvae feed on young leaves April-May; supports early spring butterfly populations
Western Redbud
Cercis occidentalis
tree
Larval host plant for early spring broods March-April
White bark California lilac
Ceanothus leucodermis
shrub
Spring larval host in chaparral; early season specialist