1. 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
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