Malacothrix coulteri is a species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae. It is known by the common name snake's head or snake's head desert-dandelion.
Description It is an annual herb producing a waxy, upright flowering stem up to in height. The leaves are long, mostly located near the base of the stem, and are toothed or not. The inflorescence is an array of flower heads about wide, with nearly spherical involucres of scale-like phyllaries wide. The bracts are green, often with dark striping or marking. The yellow or white ray florets are about 1 cm long.
Similar species Similar species include Anisocoma acaulis and Calycoseris parryi.
Distribution and habitat It is native to the southwestern United States, and it is also an introduced species in southern South America.Flora of North America Its native habitat includes desert, grassland, chaparral, and other open, sandy areas.
References
External links Jepson Manual Treatment USDA Plants Profile Photo gallery