Malacothrix glabrata
Desert dandelion
(c) Jesse Rorabaugh, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Jesse Rorabaugh · licence
Family: Asteraceae · Type: Herb · Native
Malacothrix glabrata (Desert dandelion) is a native California herb in the Asteraceae family, recognized by large flowers and glaucous desert habitat adaptation.
Desert dandelion is a California native annual found in the San Joaquin Valley, southern Coast Ranges, western Transverse Ranges, eastern Sierra Nevada, and Mojave Desert in coarse soils of open desert areas and foothill woodlands at elevations below 2,000 meters. Flowering from March to June, this plant produces pale yellow to white flowers with long ligules reaching 9 to 13 millimeters, creating delicate clusters on slender peduncles. Growing up to 50 centimeters tall with multiple erect to ascending stems that are glabrous and slightly bluish-green, it develops a branching structure from its base. Its basal leaves are distinctively lobed with narrow, wide-spreading segments up to 3 centimeters long, while lower leaves feature 3 to 6 pairs of well-spaced teeth or elongated narrow lobes. The fruit is 2 to 3.3 millimeters long with irregular teeth and short bristles.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 12 sympatric species; large flowers and glaucous desert habitat adaptation
Habitat and range
Habitat: Coarse soils in open areas or among shrubs in desert areas, foothill woodland
Elevation: < 2000 m
Outside California: to Oregon, Idaho, Utah, Mexico
Bloom period
Malacothrix glabrata blooms Mar-Jun.
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 glabrata native to California?
Yes. Malacothrix glabrata is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Malacothrix glabrata bloom?
Malacothrix glabrata blooms Mar-Jun.
What plant family does Malacothrix glabrata belong to?
Malacothrix glabrata is in the Asteraceae family, genus Malacothrix.
What habitat does Malacothrix glabrata grow in?
Malacothrix glabrata grows in Coarse soils in open areas or among shrubs in desert areas, foothill woodland.
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.