Malacothrix incana
Dunedelion
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Family: Asteraceae · Type: Subshrub · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 4.3
Malacothrix incana (Dunedelion) is a native California subshrub in the Asteraceae family, recognized by only perennial in genus with woody base.
Dunedelion is a California native perennial found in coastal bioregions including central and southern California Coast, northern and southern Channel Islands, particularly San Nicolas Island, in coastal dune habitats at elevations below 300 meters. Flowering all year, this plant produces medium yellow flowers in heads 10 to 14 millimeters long with outermost ligules extending 5 to 10 millimeters. Growing up to 70 centimeters tall with a mounded form, it has branched stems that range from glabrous to densely hairy and develop a somewhat woody base. Its distinctive leaves are fleshy and spoon-shaped, with basal leaves being entire or having few wide lobes, while cauline leaves may have one to two pairs of blunt side lobes. The plant's unique adaptation to sandy coastal environments allows it to thrive in challenging dune ecosystems with its robust and flexible growth structure.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 19 sympatric species; only perennial in genus with woody base
Habitat and range
Habitat: Dunes
Elevation: < 300 m
Bloom period
Malacothrix incana blooms All year.
Conservation status
CNPS 4.3
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 incana native to California?
Yes. Malacothrix incana is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Malacothrix incana bloom?
Malacothrix incana blooms All year.
What plant family does Malacothrix incana belong to?
Malacothrix incana is in the Asteraceae family, genus Malacothrix.
Is Malacothrix incana rare or endangered?
Malacothrix incana carries California Rare Plant Rank 4.3, state rank S3S4.
What habitat does Malacothrix incana grow in?
Malacothrix incana grows in Dunes.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
- Malacothrix indecora — Santa cruz island malacothrix
- Malacothrix junakii — Junak's malacothrix
- Malacothrix phaeocarpa — Dusky-fruited malacothrix
- Malacothrix saxatilis — Cliff aster
- Malacothrix saxatilis var. arachnoidea — Carmel valley malacothrix
- Malacothrix saxatilis var. commutata — Cliff desertdandelion
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.