Malacothrix glabrata, commonly known as Smooth Desert Dandelion, is an annual herb native to desert washes, creosote bush communities, and sandy plains in the southwestern deserts of North America, particularly in the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts. It typically grows up to 15 inches tall with a basal rosette of nearly hairless leaves and produces pale-yellow to white fragrant flower heads that bloom in the spring, adding ephemeral color to desert landscapes. The flowers are modest in size but can be quite showy en masse during favorable years.

Smooth Desert Dandelion is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to bring early spring color to xeriscaped gardens and natural desert settings. It is often used in restoration projects and wildflower meadows where low water use plants are desired. This plant requires minimal maintenance, thriving in full sun with very low water needs once established, and prefers well-drained sandy or rocky soils. While it is not commonly found in traditional garden settings, its resilience and adaptability to harsh conditions make it an interesting choice for specialized plantings. There are no major disease or pest issues associated with Malacothrix glabrata, but it can be short-lived and may not persist without favorable conditions for seed germination.CC BY-SA 4.0