Malacothrix saxatilis var. implicata
Cliff aster
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Family: Asteraceae · Type: Shrub · Native
Malacothrix saxatilis var. implicata (Cliff aster) is a native California shrub in the Asteraceae family, recognized by distinctive 2-pinnate leaf division.
Cliff aster is a California native perennial found in the northern Channel Islands, particularly on San Nicolas Island, in clay flats and rocky canyon slopes at elevations below 330 meters. Flowering from April to August, this plant produces white to lavender daisy-like flowers in open clusters with ray and disk flowers. Growing with slender stems 15 to 45 centimeters tall, it emerges from an underground rhizome with a low, spreading growth habit. Its distinctive leaves are intricately 2-pinnately divided, featuring linear leaf segments with blunt tips that create a delicate, lacy appearance. The plant is generally glabrous to lightly hairy, allowing it to blend subtly into its rocky island habitat.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 15 sympatric species; distinctive 2-pinnate leaf division
Habitat and range
Habitat: +- Clay flats or rocky, canyon slopes
Elevation: < 330 m
Bloom period
Malacothrix saxatilis var. implicata blooms Apr-Aug.
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. implicata native to California?
Yes. Malacothrix saxatilis var. implicata is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Malacothrix saxatilis var. implicata bloom?
Malacothrix saxatilis var. implicata blooms Apr-Aug.
What plant family does Malacothrix saxatilis var. implicata belong to?
Malacothrix saxatilis var. implicata is in the Asteraceae family, genus Malacothrix.
What habitat does Malacothrix saxatilis var. implicata grow in?
Malacothrix saxatilis var. implicata grows in +- Clay flats or rocky, canyon slopes.
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.