Sub-species
subsp.adamsii
This subspecies has twigs that are sparsely covered in short pubescence and glabrous leaves that are strongly white glaucous. The immature inflorescence, bracts and pedestal are densely white-hairy and the flowers appear from winter to early spring followed by globose fruit.

It grows in the interior chaparral on the Peninsular Ranges of California and extends to Baja California on granite-based stony soils.

subsp. crassifolia
This subspecies has twigs that are sparsely covered in short pubescence and glabrous leaves that are dark green commonly with a reddish tint. The immature inflorescence, bracts, pedestal and ovary are densely white-hairy and the flowers appear from winter to early spring followed by flattened globose fruit.

It grows in maritime chaparral on coastal bluffs and coniferous forests from San Diego to Northern Baja California on sandstone-based soils from sea level to an altitude of 100 m (300 ft). In its natural habitat it is regarded as endangered.

subsp. glandulosa
This subspecies has twigs that are glandular with short pubescence and sparsely pubescent or smooth grey green leaves. The immature inflorescence, bracts and pedestal are densely white-hairy and commonly glandular-hairy. The flowers appear from winter to early spring followed by slightly depressed globose fruit.

It grows from the southwest Oregon coast to the Peninsular Ranges in California and extends to northern Baja California growing in chaparral on dry rocky slopes at an altitude from 300 m to 1900 m (6,270 ft).

subsp. leucophylla
This subspecies has twigs that are glandular-hairy and sparsely pubescent leaves that are strongly white glaucous. The immature inflorescence, bracts, pedestal and ovary are densely white-hairy and the flowers appear from winter to early spring followed by slightly depressed globose fruit.

It grows on the Peninsular Ranges in California and extends to Baja California in interior chaparral on sandy-based soils.

subsp. mollis
This subspecies has twigs that are covered in short pubescence and glabrous bright green leaves have a cuneate base. The immature inflorescence, bracts, pedestal and ovary are densely white-hairy and the flowers appear from winter to early spring followed by slightly depressed globose fruit.

It is widespread growing on the interior chaparral throughout the Transverse Range in California at an altitude from 600 m to 2000 m (6,000 ft).