Malacothrix indecora
Santa cruz island malacothrix, Santa Cruz Island Malacothrix
Family: Asteraceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.1 · Endangered
Malacothrix indecora (Santa cruz island malacothrix) is a native California herb in the Asteraceae family, recognized by on Channel Islands; very small size and fleshy leaves.
Santa cruz island malacothrix is a rare (CNPS 1B.1) California native annual found in northern Channel Islands (except Anacapa Island) in shallow ocean bluff soils and open rocky areas at elevations below 30 meters. Flowering from April to September, this plant produces medium yellow flowers with outer ligules extending 1 to 4 millimeters beyond the involucre. Growing up to 12 centimeters tall with occasional specimens reaching 45 centimeters, it has erect or slightly prostrate stems that branch at and above the base. Its leaves are distinctively fleshy, with basal leaves being oblong or oblanceolate and cauline leaves obovate to spoon-shaped, often featuring 1 to 3 pairs of obtuse lobes. The plant forms few flower heads in cyme-like clusters, with an involucre 6 to 8 millimeters wide and glabrous outer phyllaries.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 15 sympatric species on Channel Islands; very small size and fleshy leaves
Habitat and range
Habitat: Shallow soils of ocean bluffs, or open rocky areas
Elevation: < 30 m
Bloom period
Malacothrix indecora blooms Apr-Sep.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.1 · Endangered
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 indecora native to California?
Yes. Malacothrix indecora is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Malacothrix indecora bloom?
Malacothrix indecora blooms Apr-Sep.
What plant family does Malacothrix indecora belong to?
Malacothrix indecora is in the Asteraceae family, genus Malacothrix.
Is Malacothrix indecora rare or endangered?
Malacothrix indecora carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.1, state rank S2.
What habitat does Malacothrix indecora grow in?
Malacothrix indecora grows in Shallow soils of ocean bluffs, or open rocky areas.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
- 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
- Malacothrix saxatilis var. implicata — Cliff aster
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.