Baccharis malibuensis
Malibu baccharis
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Family: Asteraceae · Type: Shrub · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.1
Baccharis malibuensis (Malibu baccharis) is a native California shrub in the Asteraceae family, recognized by CNPS 1B.1; key features are linear leaves and brown-tipped phyllaries.
Malibu baccharis is a rare (CNPS 1B.1) California native shrub found in western Transverse Ranges and Peninsular Ranges in chaparral and grassy openings at elevations of 50 to 300 meters. Flowering from August to September, this plant produces small white flower heads in cylindrical clusters. Growing less than 2 meters tall with erect to arching branches, it forms a rounded, woody shrub with distinctive linear to linear-oblanceolate leaves 20 to 45 millimeters long. Its narrow leaves are glabrous with resin gland dots, with 1 to 3 main veins and acute or acuminate tips. The fruit is 2.4 to 3 millimeters long with 5 ribs and thick glandular hairs.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 8 sympatric species; CNPS 1B.1; key features are linear leaves and brown-tipped phyllaries
Habitat and range
Habitat: Chaparral, grassy openings
Elevation: 50-300 m
Bloom period
Baccharis malibuensis blooms Aug-Sep.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.1
How to tell it apart
vs Ericameria: Baccharis has sticky leaves and white fluffy seeds; Ericameria has narrow leaves and bright yellow ray flowers.; vs Salix: Baccharis has sticky resinous leaves and flower heads; Salix has fuzzy catkins and alternate leaves without resin.; vs Quercus: Baccharis has sticky leaves and fluffy seeds; Quercus has lobed or entire leaves and produces acorns.; vs Ceanothus: Baccharis has small clustered flower heads; Ceanothus has dense clusters of showy blue or white 5-petaled flowers.; vs Lepidospartum: Baccharis has sticky leafy branches; Lepidospartum has scale-like leaves on broom-like green stems.
Frequently asked questions
Is Baccharis malibuensis native to California?
Yes. Baccharis malibuensis is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Baccharis malibuensis bloom?
Baccharis malibuensis blooms Aug-Sep.
What plant family does Baccharis malibuensis belong to?
Baccharis malibuensis is in the Asteraceae family, genus Baccharis.
Is Baccharis malibuensis rare or endangered?
Baccharis malibuensis carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.1, state rank S1.
What habitat does Baccharis malibuensis grow in?
Baccharis malibuensis grows in Chaparral, grassy openings.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos · CDFW CNDDB
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.