Cliff aster is a perennial subshrub native to coastal southern California. It has woody stems and mostly basal leaves that are coarsely toothed. From March to November depending on rainfall, it produces many solitary white flowers with pink striping along its wire-like branches, providing a refreshing contrast. Cliff aster is drought tolerant and thrives with little water or care in full sun and most soil types. It is suitable for slopes, rock gardens, and perennial beds and attracts birds, butterflies, and other pollinators with its nectar and seeds.

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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2. Malacothrix saxatilis
Cliff aster