Malacothrix similis
Mexican malacothrix
Family: Asteraceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 2A
Malacothrix similis (Mexican malacothrix) is a native California herb in the Asteraceae family, recognized by historically; extinct in CA, beach habitat.
Mexican malacothrix is a rare (CNPS 2A) California native annual found in southern California coastal areas and northern Channel Islands, specifically at Hueneme Beach and Santa Cruz Island, at elevations below 40 meters. Flowering from April to May, this plant produces yellow flowers with ligules 2 to 4 millimeters long in clusters of multiple heads. Growing to 30 centimeters tall with 1 to 11 erect or ascending branches mostly divided from the base, it has a distinctively glabrous stem structure. Its leaves range from basal lance-linear with pinnate lobes to reduced cauline leaves that are nearly entire. This species is now presumed extinct in California, with historical collections dating back to 1925 and 1888.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 17 sympatric species historically; extinct in CA, beach habitat
Habitat and range
Habitat: Presumed extinct in California; beaches, dunes
Elevation: < 40 m
Outside California: Mexico
Bloom period
Malacothrix similis blooms Apr-May.
Conservation status
CNPS 2A
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 similis native to California?
Yes. Malacothrix similis is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Malacothrix similis bloom?
Malacothrix similis blooms Apr-May.
What plant family does Malacothrix similis belong to?
Malacothrix similis is in the Asteraceae family, genus Malacothrix.
Is Malacothrix similis rare or endangered?
Malacothrix similis carries California Rare Plant Rank 2A, state rank SH.
What habitat does Malacothrix similis grow in?
Malacothrix similis grows in Presumed extinct in California; beaches, dunes.
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.