Malacothrix saxatilis var. saxatilis
Cliff malacothrix, Cliff Malacothrix
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Family: Asteraceae · Type: Shrub · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 4.2
Malacothrix saxatilis var. saxatilis (Cliff malacothrix) is a native California shrub in the Asteraceae family, recognized by restricted coastal bluff habitat.
Cliff malacothrix is a California native perennial found in northern Santa Catalina and southwestern Transverse Ranges (Santa Barbara County) on coastal bluffs, in rock crevices and flats at elevations below 200 meters. Flowering from April to August, this plant produces white ray flowers in distinctive heads with yellow disk centers. Growing with slender stems 10 to 30 centimeters tall, it emerges from a rhizomatous base with delicate, spreading growth. Its leaves are linear to slightly ovate, ranging from entire to subtly toothed, with obtuse or acute tips that may have occasional proximal lobes. The plant appears relatively sparse and glabrous to lightly hairy, adapting well to the harsh coastal environment.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 7 sympatric species; restricted coastal bluff habitat
Habitat and range
Habitat: Coastal bluffs, on flats or in crevices
Elevation: < 200 m
Bloom period
Malacothrix saxatilis var. saxatilis blooms Apr-Aug.
Conservation status
CNPS 4.2
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. saxatilis native to California?
Yes. Malacothrix saxatilis var. saxatilis is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Malacothrix saxatilis var. saxatilis bloom?
Malacothrix saxatilis var. saxatilis blooms Apr-Aug.
What plant family does Malacothrix saxatilis var. saxatilis belong to?
Malacothrix saxatilis var. saxatilis is in the Asteraceae family, genus Malacothrix.
Is Malacothrix saxatilis var. saxatilis rare or endangered?
Malacothrix saxatilis var. saxatilis carries California Rare Plant Rank 4.2, state rank S4.
What habitat does Malacothrix saxatilis var. saxatilis grow in?
Malacothrix saxatilis var. saxatilis grows in Coastal bluffs, on flats or in crevices.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
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.