Lasthenia coronaria, commonly known as royal goldfields, is an annual herb that thrives in the vernal pools, grasslands, and open woodlands of California, extending into Baja California, including Guadalupe Island. This species typically grows up to 16 inches tall, with either branched or unbranched stems. The leaves are linear or deeply divided with pointed tips, and the plant exudes a sweet fragrance from its foliage. Royal goldfields produce showy inflorescences consisting of yellow disc florets surrounded by smaller yellow ray florets, which bloom profusely in the spring.

Royal goldfields are valued for their bright, cheerful flowers and are often used in wildflower meadows, native plant gardens, and restoration projects. They are particularly effective in mass plantings where their golden blooms create a striking display. This plant prefers full sun and tolerates a range of soil types, provided they are well-drained. It is adapted to the Mediterranean climate of its native range, with wet winters and dry summers. While generally easy to grow, Lasthenia coronaria may be susceptible to powdery mildew in humid conditions. It is not known for aggressive roots or significant disease problems. Gardeners should be aware that this plant is adapted to a specific ecological niche and may not thrive outside similar conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0