Malacothrix squalida
Island malacothrix
(c) Steve Berardi, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · licence
Family: Asteraceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.1 · Endangered
Malacothrix squalida (Island malacothrix) is a native California herb in the Asteraceae family, recognized by robust habit and sharply toothed leaves.
Island malacothrix is a rare (CNPS 1B.1) California native annual found in the northern Channel Islands, specifically on Anacapa and Santa Cruz islands, in shallow soils and open areas between shrubs at elevations below 200 meters. Flowering from March to June, this plant produces light yellow flowers with exserted ligules 6 to 11 millimeters long in open clusters. Growing to 30 centimeters tall with stout, ascending to erect stems that are branched at and above the base, it appears somewhat glaucous and leafy. Its leaves are distinctive, with basal leaves widely lanceolate to ovate and sharply lobed, and proximal leaves having 4 to 8 sharp-toothed lobes. The fruit features prominent ribs extending slightly beyond its tip, with minute outer pappus and no bristles.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 15 sympatric species; robust habit and sharply toothed leaves
Habitat and range
Habitat: Shallow soils, open areas between shrubs, on ridges
Elevation: < 200 m
Bloom period
Malacothrix squalida blooms Mar-Jun.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.1 · Endangered
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 squalida native to California?
Yes. Malacothrix squalida is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Malacothrix squalida bloom?
Malacothrix squalida blooms Mar-Jun.
What plant family does Malacothrix squalida belong to?
Malacothrix squalida is in the Asteraceae family, genus Malacothrix.
Is Malacothrix squalida rare or endangered?
Malacothrix squalida carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.1, state rank S1.
What habitat does Malacothrix squalida grow in?
Malacothrix squalida grows in Shallow soils, open areas between shrubs, on ridges.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
- Malacothrix stebbinsii — Stebbins' dandelion
- Malacothrix torreyi — Torrey's desertdandelion
- Malacothrix californica — California dandelion
- Malacothrix clevelandii — Cleveland's dandelion
- Malacothrix coulteri — Snake's-head
- Malacothrix floccifera — Woolly dandelion
- Malperia sp.
- Malperia tenuis — Brown turbans
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.