Malacothrix saxatilis var. commutata
Cliff desertdandelion
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Family: Asteraceae · Type: Shrub · Native
Malacothrix saxatilis var. commutata (Cliff desertdandelion) is a native California shrub in the Asteraceae family, recognized by inland shale habitat specialist.
Cliff desertdandelion is a California native perennial found in southern Sierra Nevada foothills, Tehachapi, southern Coast Ranges, southern California Coast, and western Transverse Ranges in crumbling shale canyons, chaparral, and foothill woodland at elevations of 200 to 1,600 meters. Flowering from May to August, occasionally into October, this plant produces white to yellow flowers in dense clusters. Growing with leafy stems from a rhizome or caudex, reaching moderate heights, it has a glabrous to slightly hairy appearance. Its leaves are distinctively lanceolate to elliptic, with entire margins and acute tips, creating a delicate green backdrop for the flower heads. In rocky, dry habitats, this perennial demonstrates remarkable adaptation to challenging terrain.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 12 sympatric species; inland shale habitat specialist
Habitat and range
Habitat: Crumbling shale, canyons, chaparral, foothill woodland
Elevation: 200-1600 m
Bloom period
Malacothrix saxatilis var. commutata blooms May-Aug(Oct).
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. commutata native to California?
Yes. Malacothrix saxatilis var. commutata is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Malacothrix saxatilis var. commutata bloom?
Malacothrix saxatilis var. commutata blooms May-Aug(Oct).
What plant family does Malacothrix saxatilis var. commutata belong to?
Malacothrix saxatilis var. commutata is in the Asteraceae family, genus Malacothrix.
What habitat does Malacothrix saxatilis var. commutata grow in?
Malacothrix saxatilis var. commutata grows in Crumbling shale, canyons, chaparral, 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.