Malacothrix saxatilis var. arachnoidea
Carmel valley malacothrix, Carmel Valley Malacothrix
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Family: Asteraceae · Type: Shrub · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.2
Malacothrix saxatilis var. arachnoidea (Carmel valley malacothrix) is a native California shrub in the Asteraceae family, recognized by distinctive tomentose covering.
Carmel valley malacothrix is a rare (CNPS 1B.2) California native perennial found in the central coast, southern coastal ranges, and western Transverse Ranges in rocky coastal scrub and chaparral at elevations of 25 to 900 meters. Flowering from May to August, this plant produces white to pale lavender flowers in heads with distinctive ray florets. Growing with woolly, tomentose stems 10 to 40 centimeters tall, it emerges from a rhizome or caudex with a spreading, somewhat tangled appearance. Its leaves are lanceolate to elliptic, generally entire or with occasional proximal teeth, featuring acute tips and a soft, hairy texture that helps it blend into rocky coastal landscapes. The plant's delicate, spider-web-like tomentose covering gives it a unique, silvery-green appearance that allows it to thrive in exposed, rocky environments.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 10 sympatric species; distinctive tomentose covering
Habitat and range
Habitat: Rocky, open banks, shale outcrops, cliff faces, coastal scrub, chaparral
Elevation: 25-900 m
Bloom period
Malacothrix saxatilis var. arachnoidea blooms May-Aug(Oct).
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 saxatilis var. arachnoidea native to California?
Yes. Malacothrix saxatilis var. arachnoidea is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Malacothrix saxatilis var. arachnoidea bloom?
Malacothrix saxatilis var. arachnoidea blooms May-Aug(Oct).
What plant family does Malacothrix saxatilis var. arachnoidea belong to?
Malacothrix saxatilis var. arachnoidea is in the Asteraceae family, genus Malacothrix.
Is Malacothrix saxatilis var. arachnoidea rare or endangered?
Malacothrix saxatilis var. arachnoidea carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.2, state rank S2.
What habitat does Malacothrix saxatilis var. arachnoidea grow in?
Malacothrix saxatilis var. arachnoidea grows in Rocky, open banks, shale outcrops, cliff faces, coastal scrub, chaparral.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
- 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
- Malacothrix sonchoides — Sow thistle malacothrix
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.