Malacothrix saxatilis
Cliff aster
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Family: Asteraceae · Type: Shrub · Native
Malacothrix saxatilis (Cliff aster) is a native California shrub in the Asteraceae family, recognized by large perennial with white flowers and woody base.
Cliff aster is a California native perennial herb found in coastal and desert regions in rocky habitats, typically growing in exposed areas with sparse vegetation. Flowering from April to October, this plant produces white ray flowers with ligules 8 to 14 millimeters long, creating delicate, daisy-like blooms. Growing with erect stems 30 to 90 centimeters tall, it develops a branched structure with primarily cauline leaves that are generally linear to obovate in shape. Its leaves vary from entire to irregularly lobed, providing a subtle textural complexity to the plant's appearance. The fruit is small, approximately 1.3 to 2.5 millimeters long, with minute spiny characteristics.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 21 sympatric species; large perennial with white flowers and woody base
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 saxatilis native to California?
Yes. Malacothrix saxatilis is native to California (recorded as native).
What plant family does Malacothrix saxatilis belong to?
Malacothrix saxatilis is in the Asteraceae family, genus Malacothrix.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
- Malacothrix saxatilis var. arachnoidea — Carmel valley malacothrix
- Malacothrix saxatilis var. commutata — Cliff desertdandelion
- Malacothrix saxatilis var. implicata — Cliff aster
- Malacothrix saxatilis var. saxatilis — Cliff malacothrix
- Malacothrix saxatilis var. tenuifolia — Cliff desertdandelion
- Malacothrix similis — Mexican malacothrix
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.