Malacothrix foliosa subsp. philbrickii
Philbrick's malacothrix, Philbrick's Malacothrix
(c) Adam J. Searcy, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Asteraceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.2
Malacothrix foliosa subsp. philbrickii (Philbrick's malacothrix) is a native California herb in the Asteraceae family, recognized by on Channel Islands; extensively lobed leaves.
Philbrick's malacothrix is a rare (CNPS 1B.2) California native annual found on the southern Channel Islands, specifically on Santa Barbara Island, inhabiting windward side ridges, rocky canyon slopes, and bluffs at elevations below 80 meters. Flowering from March to July, this plant produces medium yellow flowers with ligules extending 4 to 8 millimeters beyond the involucre. Growing with 1 to 10 stems that are erect when single or decumbent to ascending and branched at or above the base, it reaches variable heights across its rocky island habitat. Its leaves are distinctive, with distal leaves oblanceolate to lanceolate and generally lobed from base to near tip. The small fruits are 1.3 to 1.7 millimeters long with 5 prominent ribs, reflecting this plant's adaptation to the challenging island environment.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 15 sympatric species on Channel Islands; extensively lobed leaves
Habitat and range
Habitat: Windward side of island on gravelly ridges, rocky canyon slopes, bluffs, compacted soils
Elevation: < 80 m
Bloom period
Malacothrix foliosa subsp. philbrickii 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. philbrickii native to California?
Yes. Malacothrix foliosa subsp. philbrickii is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Malacothrix foliosa subsp. philbrickii bloom?
Malacothrix foliosa subsp. philbrickii blooms Mar-Jul.
What plant family does Malacothrix foliosa subsp. philbrickii belong to?
Malacothrix foliosa subsp. philbrickii is in the Asteraceae family, genus Malacothrix.
Is Malacothrix foliosa subsp. philbrickii rare or endangered?
Malacothrix foliosa subsp. philbrickii carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.2, state rank S1.
What habitat does Malacothrix foliosa subsp. philbrickii grow in?
Malacothrix foliosa subsp. philbrickii grows in Windward side of island on gravelly ridges, rocky canyon slopes, bluffs, compacted soils.
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.