Duration:AnnualSize: 4 to 16 inches (10-41 cm) or more.
Growth Form:Forb/herb; plant generally low growing; stems spreading out horizontally (ascending) or upright (erect); stems are mostly smooth (glabrous).
Flower Color: Yellow, pale yellow, rarely white; heads 1¾ inches (4.5 cm) or more; resemble common dandelion; young or immature flower heads have a red or reddish spot in the center; flowers mostly solitary; florets 5-lobed, strap-shaped ( ligulate flower); fruit is a cypsela with a pappus.
Flowering Season: February or March to June and July.
Elevation: Below 6,500 feet (2,000 m)
Habitat Preferences: Common and abundant following winters with heavy rainfall; plains and mesas; coarse soils, rocky hillsides, open areas or among shrubs in desert habitats, often in creosote (Larrea) sandy washes and flats, bush communities, foothill woodlands.
Recorded Range: Smooth Desertdandelion is found in the Pacific northwest and southwestern United States; AZ, CA, ID, NM, NV, OR, UT. This species is also native to much of Baja California and northwest Mexico.
Genus Information: In North America there are 20 species and 28 accepted taxa overall for Malacothrix. Worldwide, The Plant List includes 21 accepted species names and a further 22 of infraspecific rank for the genus.
The genus Malacothrix was published by Augustin Pyramus de Candolle in 1838.
In the Southwestern United States: Arizona has 8 species of genus, California has 16 species, Nevada has 6 species, New Mexico has 4 species, Texas has 2 species, Utah has 5 species. All data is approximate and subject to taxonomic changes.
Genus Information: In North America there are 20 species and 24 accepted taxa overall for Malacothrix. Worldwide, The Plant List includes 21 accepted species names and a further 23 scientific names of infraspecific rank for Malacothrix.
In the Southwestern United States: Arizona has 8 species of Malacothrix, California has 16 species, Nevada has 6 species, New Mexico has 4 species, Texas has 2 species, Utah has 5 species. Data approximate and subject to revision.
Comments:Malacothrix glabrata is the desert's version of the common dandelion growing in the Mojave, Great Basin, and Sonoran deserts. It has milky sap and the color is actually a pale yellow while the vegetative parts are mostly smooth or (glabrous). Relies on heavy winter rains to produce large carpets of yellow flowers.
Importance to Wildlife, Birds and Livestock
Malacothrix glabrata showy flowers, its seeds and plants may be visited by hummingbirds and/or small mammals including rodents in search of food.
Beneficial Value to Butterflies, Bees and Insects
Malacothrix glabrata has showy pale yellow or white Dandelion-like flowers may be visited by butterflies, moths and other insects in search of food and nectar.
Etymology:
The genus “Malacothrix” (Malaco'thrix:) from the Greek malakos, “soft,” and thrix, “hair,” thus referring to the wooliness of the young plant. Malacothrix was published (ref. genus Malacothrix)
The genus Malacothrix was published by Augustin Pyramus de Candolle in 1838.
The species epithet “glabrata” (glabra'ta:) means somewhat smooth or (glabrous).
Ethnobotany
Malacothrix glabrata has been used for medicinal purposes by southwestern United States indigenous peoples.
Apache, White Mountain Drug, Blood Medicine; Roots used as a blood medicine.
See complete listing of ethno-botanical uses at Native American Ethnobotany, University of Michigan, Dearborn.
