Torrey'S Desert-Dandelion
Malacothrix torreyi
Last reviewed: September 2026
Toxicity unknown
Torrey'S Desert-Dandelion (Malacothrix torreyi) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
6"–18" H × 6"–12" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AZ, CA, CO, ID and 5 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
Malacothrix torreyi is a compact native perennial forb that produces bright yellow daisy-like flowers from June through August. This low-growing plant forms neat clumps 6-18 inches tall and tolerates drought conditions well in full sun locations.
In an HOA neighborhood
Torrey'S Desert-Dandelion takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Unfamiliar appearance may seem weedy to traditional gardeners
- Unknown dormancy characteristics create uncertainty about year-round appearance
- Name and plant not widely recognized in typical landscaping
Wildlife value
The cheerful yellow blooms attract native bees and beetles during the summer months, providing important nectar resources for pollinators.
Common questions
- How much sun does Torrey'S Desert-Dandelion need?
- Torrey'S Desert-Dandelion grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Torrey'S Desert-Dandelion bloom?
- Torrey'S Desert-Dandelion blooms in June, July, and August.
- Where is Torrey'S Desert-Dandelion native?
- Torrey'S Desert-Dandelion (Malacothrix torreyi) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 5 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Torrey'S Desert-Dandelion attract?
- Torrey'S Desert-Dandelion draws bees and beetles.
- Is Torrey'S Desert-Dandelion HOA-friendly?
- Torrey'S Desert-Dandelion takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Torrey'S Desert-Dandelion? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant
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