Plant Data

Names and Taxonomy

  • Common Names: smooth desert dandelion or desert dandelion
  • Synonyms:
  • Family: Asteraceae (Sunflower)
  • Genus Information: There are two species of Malacothrix known to occur in the Mojave Desert

Habit and Size

  • Duration: annual
  • Habit: forb
  • Shape: spreading
  • Size: up to 12 inches
  • Stem: green

Leaves

  • Color: green
  • Shape: linear
  • Edge: lobed
  • Arrangement: basal rosette
  • Leaf Retention: drought deciduous

Flowers and Fruit

  • Sex: monoecious
  • Flower Color: white, yellow
  • Flower Size: 1-2 inches
  • Number of Petals: many
  • Bloom: Mar, Apr, May, Jun
  • Fruit: cypsela

Habitat and Growing Conditions

  • Water Use: low
  • Light: full sun
  • Soil: sandy
  • Habitat: desert, plains, and washes

Distribution

  • Distribution: AZ, CA, ID, NM, NV, OR, UT, Mexico
  • Seen:
  • Elevation: below 6000 feet (2000 m)

Photographs

Desert Dandelion (Malacothrix glabrata)

Baker, CA

Desert Dandelion (Malacothrix glabrata)

Baker, CA

Desert Dandelion (Malacothrix glabrata)

Baker, CA