Dalea mollissima
Downy dalea
Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Fabaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Dalea mollissima (Downy dalea) is a native California herb in the Fabaceae family, recognized by perennial habit and corolla < calyx.
Downy dalea is a California native perennial found in desert regions in desert flats and washes at elevations below 900 meters. Flowering from March to May, this plant produces white or lavender-tinged flowers in compact ovoid clusters approximately 14 to 16 millimeters wide. Growing with low-spreading stems 0.5 to 3.5 decimeters tall that form mat-like clusters, it has a notably hairy appearance. Its leaves feature 8 to 14 leaflets, each 3 to 10 millimeters long, with rounded to obovate-oblong shapes that are often slightly folded or wavy. The plant's delicate flowers have shaggy-hairy calyx lobes that are longer than the flower tube, giving it a distinctive soft and intricate texture.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 2 sympatric species; distinguished by perennial habit and corolla < calyx
Habitat and range
Habitat: Common. Desert flats, washes
Elevation: < 900 m
California counties: San Bernardino, Riverside, Imperial, San Diego, Inyo, Orange
Outside California: southern Nevada, western Arizona, Mexico
Bloom period
Dalea mollissima blooms Mar-May.
How to tell it apart
vs Astragalus: Dalea has gland-dotted sticky stems; Astragalus stems are smooth or hairy but not glandular.; vs Stillingia: Dalea has pea flowers in spikes; Stillingia has tiny flowers without pea structure.; vs Psorothamnus: Dalea has 5 stamens with petals on fused column; Psorothamnus has 10 stamens.; vs Eriogonum: Dalea has compound leaves and pea flowers; Eriogonum has simple leaves and tiny clustered flowers.; vs Psorodendron: Check if stems are gland-dotted and count stamens (Dalea has 5).
Frequently asked questions
Is Dalea mollissima native to California?
Yes. Dalea mollissima is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Dalea mollissima bloom?
Dalea mollissima blooms Mar-May.
Where in California does Dalea mollissima grow?
Dalea mollissima occurs in San Bernardino, Riverside, Imperial, San Diego, Inyo, Orange, at elevations of < 900 m.
What plant family does Dalea mollissima belong to?
Dalea mollissima is in the Fabaceae family, genus Dalea.
What habitat does Dalea mollissima grow in?
Dalea mollissima grows in Common. Desert flats, washes.
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.