Malacothrix foliosa subsp. foliosa
Leafy malacothrix, Leafy Malacothrix
(c) Adam J. Searcy, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Asteraceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 4.2
Malacothrix foliosa subsp. foliosa (Leafy malacothrix) is a native California herb in the Asteraceae family, recognized by on Channel Islands; larger flowers and simple leaf lobing.
Leafy malacothrix is a California native annual found on San Clemente Island in sandy, open areas and island chaparral at elevations below 150 meters. Flowering from March to July, this plant produces white flowers with ligules up to 10 millimeters long in distinctive heads 7 to 11 millimeters wide. Growing with generally a single erect stem that branches toward the top, it reaches heights typical of small annuals. Its leaves feature distinctive narrow lobes at the base, with upper leaves shaped as narrow ovate to lanceolate blades. The small fruits are less than 1.5 millimeters long with approximately equal ribs.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 15 sympatric species on Channel Islands; larger flowers and simple leaf lobing
Habitat and range
Habitat: Sandy, open areas or among shrubs in island chaparral
Elevation: < 150 m
Bloom period
Malacothrix foliosa subsp. foliosa blooms Mar-Jul.
Conservation status
CNPS 4.2
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. foliosa native to California?
Yes. Malacothrix foliosa subsp. foliosa is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Malacothrix foliosa subsp. foliosa bloom?
Malacothrix foliosa subsp. foliosa blooms Mar-Jul.
What plant family does Malacothrix foliosa subsp. foliosa belong to?
Malacothrix foliosa subsp. foliosa is in the Asteraceae family, genus Malacothrix.
Is Malacothrix foliosa subsp. foliosa rare or endangered?
Malacothrix foliosa subsp. foliosa carries California Rare Plant Rank 4.2, state rank S3.
What habitat does Malacothrix foliosa subsp. foliosa grow in?
Malacothrix foliosa subsp. foliosa grows in Sandy, open areas or among shrubs in island chaparral.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CNPS Rare Plant Inventory · Index of California Plant Names · 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.