Q malacothrix-saxatilis
Transcript of Q malacothrix-saxatilis
Cliff Aster – Malacothrix saxatilis var. tenuifolia (mal-uh-COTH-rix saks-A-til-iss)
Family: Asteraceae (Sunflower Family)
Native to: South Coast & Transverse Ranges of S. California; coastal strand and coastal scrub and
canyons, coastal-sage scrub.
Growth characteristics: perennial sub-shrub mature height: 2-5 ft. mature width: 3-5+ ft. Open
sub-shrub with woody base and mostly herbaceous branches. Leaves mostly basal, coarsely-toothed
somewhat like a dandelion or a white-flowered Chicory. Branches are wire-like. Summer deciduous with no summer water.
Blooms/fruits: Blooms much of the year in lower elevations (Mar-Nov) depending on rainfall. Flowering
heads typical of sunflower family, white with pink striping, solitary along the wire-like branches. Quite showy, as there are often many blooms at one time.
Uses in the garden: Right at home in the water-wise garden. Does well on slopes and in rock gardens,
near rock walls or fences. Airy-looking white flowers mix well in perennial beds. Probably fine in large
pots or planters. Flowers are a refreshing contrast to dark leaves of native shrubs. Plant makes a nice
filler and will re-seed naturally. Very tough plant that looks best in wet years.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native perennial sunflowers like Asters.
Attracts: Good bird, butterfly and insect habitat: provides Fall nectar and seeds for food. Rabbits like foliage.
Requirements:
Element Requirement
Sun Full sun best; light shade probably fine.
Soil Probably any texture or local pH
Water Little to occasional summer water once established (Zone ½ or 2)
Fertilizer None
Other Light organic mulch or none
Management: Little management needed. Hardy plant. Cut back in fall or will gets straggly.
Propagation: from seed: ? germination improved by smoke – but fresh seed has good germination with
no treatment. Plant in prepared bed in spring by cuttings: ? probably
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1, 2, 10, 11, 46 7/3/14 © Project SOUND