Dunedelion facts for kids

Malacothrix incana is a special kind of flowering plant. It's often called the dunedelion because it looks a bit like a dandelion and grows in sand dunes. This plant is part of the aster family, which includes many well-known flowers like sunflowers and daisies.

The dunedelion is quite rare. It only grows naturally in California, especially in the sandy areas near the ocean.

About the Dunedelion

The dunedelion is a unique plant that loves sandy beaches. It's a perennial herb, which means it lives for more than two years. It can grow into a leafy clump, reaching up to about 70 centimeters (about 2.3 feet) tall.

Where Does It Grow?

This plant is found only in California. It lives in sand dunes right on the beaches. You can spot it on the Channel Islands off the coast. It also grows in a few specific spots along the mainland coastline. These areas are mainly in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties.

The dunedelion used to grow in San Diego, but it's not found there anymore. This shows how important it is to protect its current homes.

What Does It Look Like?

The dunedelion can look a little different from one plant to another. Some plants are very smooth, while others have many tiny hairs.

• Leaves: The leaves can be smooth on the edges. Sometimes they have gentle, rounded bumps or lobes. The leaves at the bottom of the plant look similar to those higher up on the stem.
• Flowers: The plant produces groups of yellow flowers. These flower groups are called flower heads. Each flower head has small, leaf-like parts called phyllaries around its base. These phyllaries are usually smooth and hairless.
• Ray Florets: The bright yellow petals you see are actually called ray florets. They are about one to two centimeters long. They make the dunedelion look cheerful and bright, especially against the sandy dunes.