Malacothrix foliosa subsp. crispifolia
Wavy-leaved malacothrix, Wavy-Leaved Malacothrix
(c) Adam J. Searcy, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Asteraceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.2
Malacothrix foliosa subsp. crispifolia (Wavy-leaved malacothrix) is a native California herb in the Asteraceae family, recognized by on Channel Islands; distinctive curled leaf margins.
Wavy-leaved malacothrix is a rare (CNPS 1B.2) California native annual found in the northern Channel Islands on Anacapa Island in island chaparral at elevations of 20 to 100 meters. Flowering from March to July, this plant produces medium yellow flowers with ligules extending 2.5 to 4 millimeters beyond the involucre. Growing with 1 to 6 generally branched stems that spread from the base and upper portions, it forms low, delicate clusters. Its leaves are distinctively shaped with distal leaves that are oblanceolate or obovate, featuring 2 to 5 pairs of narrow lobes with curled margins and acute tips. The small fruits are approximately 1.3 to 1.6 millimeters long with five prominent ribs.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 15 sympatric species on Channel Islands; distinctive curled leaf margins
Habitat and range
Habitat: Openings in island chaparral
Elevation: 20-100 m
Bloom period
Malacothrix foliosa subsp. crispifolia blooms Mar-Jul.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.2
How to tell it apart
vs Rafinesquia: Rafinesquia has persistent pappus that stays attached; Malacothrix pappus falls off easily when disturbed.; vs Pinaropappus: Pinaropappus pappus remains attached to seeds; Malacothrix pappus falls away easily.; vs Anisocoma: Anisocoma has scale-like pappus; Malacothrix has bristly pappus that falls off easily.; vs Calycoseris: Calycoseris leaves have glandular-sticky stems; Malacothrix lacks the sticky glandular feel.; vs Agoseris: Agoseris pappus stays firmly attached; Malacothrix pappus falls off at the slightest touch.
Frequently asked questions
Is Malacothrix foliosa subsp. crispifolia native to California?
Yes. Malacothrix foliosa subsp. crispifolia is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Malacothrix foliosa subsp. crispifolia bloom?
Malacothrix foliosa subsp. crispifolia blooms Mar-Jul.
What plant family does Malacothrix foliosa subsp. crispifolia belong to?
Malacothrix foliosa subsp. crispifolia is in the Asteraceae family, genus Malacothrix.
Is Malacothrix foliosa subsp. crispifolia rare or endangered?
Malacothrix foliosa subsp. crispifolia carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.2, state rank S1.
What habitat does Malacothrix foliosa subsp. crispifolia grow in?
Malacothrix foliosa subsp. crispifolia grows in Openings in island chaparral.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
- Malacothrix foliosa subsp. foliosa — Leafy malacothrix
- Malacothrix foliosa subsp. philbrickii — Philbrick's malacothrix
- Malacothrix foliosa subsp. polycephala — Many-headed malacothrix
- Malacothrix glabrata — Desert dandelion
- Malacothrix incana — Dunedelion
- Malacothrix indecora — Santa cruz island malacothrix
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.