Desert Dandelion
Malacothrix glabrata
Photographed along SR-95 east of Parker, La Paz County, Arizona, USA on Mar. 14, 2010.
FLOWERS: The flower heads resemble very much the common dandelion, but
are smaller and usually on a shorter peduncle. Florets are entirely of
strap-shaped form. Blooms mostly February to April.
ANNUAL: A low-growing, winter-spring annual plant appearing only in years with
good winter rains.
LEAVES Leaves are divided into very narrow, linear segments and are
primarily arranged at the base near ground level. Leaves are largely free of
pubescence.
RANGE: Grows in sandy soils in the deserts of California to southwestern
New Mexico.
FRUIT: The seeds lack the typical dandelion puff of bristles; instead
there are a few short, obscure bristles.