Malperia tenuis
Brown turbans
Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Asteraceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 2B.3
Malperia tenuis (Brown turbans) is a native California herb in the Asteraceae family, recognized by Endemic genus; extremely restricted California distribution in Sonoran Desert.
Brown turbans is a rare (CNPS 2B.3) California native annual found in southern California desert regions in sandy creosote-bush scrub at elevations below 500 meters. Flowering from December to April, this plant produces white to pink-tinged flowers in small heads 8 to 14 millimeters long, arranged in open, cluster-like arrangements. Growing with erect, much-branched stems up to 40 centimeters tall and generally glabrous to slightly hairy, it has a delicate, open structure. Its leaves are linear, sessile, becoming alternate toward the stem tips, generally less than 5 centimeters long and entire. The fruit is a slender 3-millimeter structure with 5 ribs, topped by 3 bristles and small scales.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Endemic genus; extremely restricted California distribution in Sonoran Desert
Habitat and range
Habitat: Sandy creosote-bush scrub
Elevation: < 500 m
Outside California: northern Mexico
Bloom period
Malperia tenuis blooms Dec-Apr.
Conservation status
CNPS 2B.3
How to tell it apart
vs Trichocoronis: Malperia is annual and dies each year; Trichocoronis is perennial and woody at the base.; vs Pleurocoronis: Malperia has smooth-edged linear leaves and is annual; Pleurocoronis has broader, often toothed leaves and is perennial.; vs Grindelia: Malperia has narrow linear leaves; Grindelia has broad, clasping leaves and sticky, resinous flower heads.; vs Lessingia: Malperia has smooth-edged linear leaves in desert habitat; Lessingia has various leaf shapes, often with ray flowers.
Frequently asked questions
Is Malperia tenuis native to California?
Yes. Malperia tenuis is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Malperia tenuis bloom?
Malperia tenuis blooms Dec-Apr.
What plant family does Malperia tenuis belong to?
Malperia tenuis is in the Asteraceae family, genus Malperia.
Is Malperia tenuis rare or endangered?
Malperia tenuis carries California Rare Plant Rank 2B.3, state rank S2?.
What habitat does Malperia tenuis grow in?
Malperia tenuis grows in Sandy creosote-bush scrub.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CNPS Rare Plant Inventory · Index of California Plant Names · 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.