Malacothrix saxatilis var. tenuifolia
Cliff desertdandelion
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Family: Asteraceae · Type: Shrub · Native
Malacothrix saxatilis var. tenuifolia (Cliff desertdandelion) is a native California shrub in the Asteraceae family, recognized by narrow sharp-toothed leaves and caudex base.
Cliff desertdandelion is a California native perennial found in southern Sierra Nevada Foothills, southern Coast Ranges, southern California Coast, southern Channel Islands, Transverse Ranges, and Peninsular Ranges in coastal scrub, chaparral, and foothill woodland at elevations below 2,000 meters. Flowering from May to August, this plant produces white to pale yellow flowers in heads with delicate, daisy-like petals. Growing with slender stems 10 to 40 centimeters tall, it emerges generally from a woody caudex and remains sparsely leafy near its flower heads. Its narrow leaves are often toothed with sharp lobes and acute tips, giving the plant a distinctive, delicate appearance. The plant is generally glabrous, with an open and airy growth habit typical of desert dandelion species.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 21 sympatric species; narrow sharp-toothed leaves and caudex base
Habitat and range
Habitat: Canyons, coastal scrub, chaparral, foothill woodland
Elevation: < 2000 m
Bloom period
Malacothrix saxatilis var. tenuifolia blooms May-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. tenuifolia native to California?
Yes. Malacothrix saxatilis var. tenuifolia is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Malacothrix saxatilis var. tenuifolia bloom?
Malacothrix saxatilis var. tenuifolia blooms May-Aug.
What plant family does Malacothrix saxatilis var. tenuifolia belong to?
Malacothrix saxatilis var. tenuifolia is in the Asteraceae family, genus Malacothrix.
What habitat does Malacothrix saxatilis var. tenuifolia grow in?
Malacothrix saxatilis var. tenuifolia grows in Canyons, coastal scrub, 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.