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

Malacothrix saxatilis

Cliff aster