Baileya multiradiata
Desert marigold
(c) Steve Matson, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Steve Matson · licence
Family: Asteraceae · Type: Herb · Native
Baileya multiradiata (Desert marigold) is a native California herb in the Asteraceae family, recognized by large solitary heads with 34-60 rays, scape-like peduncles.
Desert marigold is a California native perennial found in southern Colorado Desert and desert regions at elevations below 1,600 meters. Flowering from April to July and October, this plant produces bright yellow ray flowers up to 20 millimeters long in showy heads 10 to 25 millimeters wide. Growing with canescent-tomentose stems 20 to 50 centimeters tall that are generally branched only at the base, it has a distinctive sprawling form. Its mostly basal leaves are 2 to 10 centimeters long with pinnately divided blades, featuring linear to ovate lobes on winged petioles. The plant produces numerous ray flowers in dense, hemispheric flower heads with prominent yellow petals.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 2 sympatric species; distinguished by large solitary heads with 34-60 rays, scape-like peduncles
Habitat and range
Habitat: Desert roadsides, flats, washes, hillsides
Elevation: < 1600 m
Outside California: to Utah, Texas, northern Mexico
Bloom period
Baileya multiradiata blooms Apr-Jul, Oct.
How to tell it apart
vs Eriophyllum: Eriophyllum rays wither and drop; Baileya rays persist as papery curled petals for weeks.; vs Geraea: Geraea has large green leaves; Baileya has small gray-woolly leaves and distinctive persistent papery rays.; vs Encelia: Encelia often lacks ray flowers entirely; Baileya always has persistent papery rays that curl backward.; vs Glebionis: Glebionis has smooth green leaves; Baileya is completely covered in dense gray wool.; vs Eschscholzia: Eschscholzia is a poppy with four petals and no disk center; Baileya is a composite with rays around a disk.
Frequently asked questions
Is Baileya multiradiata native to California?
Yes. Baileya multiradiata is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Baileya multiradiata bloom?
Baileya multiradiata blooms Apr-Jul, Oct.
What plant family does Baileya multiradiata belong to?
Baileya multiradiata is in the Asteraceae family, genus Baileya.
What habitat does Baileya multiradiata grow in?
Baileya multiradiata grows in Desert roadsides, flats, washes, hillsides.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
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.