Malacothrix sp.
(c) Steve Berardi, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · licence
Family: Asteraceae · Type: Perennial · Native
Malacothrix sp. is a native California perennial in the Asteraceae family.
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 sp. native to California?
Yes. Malacothrix sp. is native to California (recorded as native).
What plant family does Malacothrix sp. belong to?
Malacothrix sp. is in the Asteraceae family, genus Malacothrix.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-04-14
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.