About Malacothrix glabrata (D.C.Eaton ex A.Gray) A.Gray
Like other species in the genus Malacothrix, Malacothrix glabrata produces milky sap and bears daisy-like flower heads. Mature plants reach heights of 15 to 40 cm, which is 5 to 15 inches. Its leaves measure 6.5 to 12.5 cm, or 2 and 1 half to 5 inches, long and have narrow stringy lobes. The flower heads are fragrant, measure 2.5 to 6.5 cm (1 to 2 and 1 half inches) wide, and are made up of smaller strap-shaped flowers called ligules, which range in color from yellow to white. The center of the flower head may feature an orange to red button-shaped structure formed by several immature flowers. This species is native to the western United States (excluding most of the Pacific Northwest) and extends into northern Mexico. It is commonly found in the southwestern deserts of North America.
