Stephanomeria diegensis is a species of flowering plant in the aster family known by the common name San Diego wirelettuce. It is native to the coastal hills and ranges of southern California and Baja California, where it grows in many types of open habitat. It evolved as a hybrid of Stephanomeria exigua and S. virgata. Furthermore, it is thought to be the result of homoploid hybrid speciation, which is uncommon. The plant is frequently misidentified as one of its parents, especially if older taxonomic keys are used. This is an erect annual herb easily exceeding two meters in height. Its slender stem has many spreading branches. The basal leaves are linear to lance-shaped and up to 10 centimeters long. The leaves wither early and are absent for most of the year, giving the plant a twiglike