Stebbins' Dandelion Plant Care
Malacothrix stebbinsii W.S.Davis & P.H.Raven
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Malacothrix stebbinsii is a species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae known by the common name Stebbins' desertdandelion. It is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico where it grows in deserts, scrub, and woodlands.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun
50–80°F
30–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Stebbins' Dandelion?
Plant Stebbins' Dandelion in full sun (USDA zones 12a) and water a young shrub every 7–10 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F (10–27°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Stebbins' Dandelion Native To?
What Is the Stebbins' Dandelion?
Stebbins' Dandelion (Malacothrix stebbinsii) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Malacothrix genus. Stebbins' Dandelion is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.
Stebbins' Dandelion displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Stebbins' Dandelion produces small daisy-like flowers in shades of white, yellow, or purple.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Stebbins' Dandelion?
Water a young or newly planted Stebbins' Dandelion every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Stebbins' Dandelion Need?
Stebbins' Dandelion thrives in full sun.
Light Requirement
Full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Stebbins' Dandelion Prefer?
Malacothrix stebbinsii tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Stebbins' Dandelion prefers humidity levels of 30–60%.
Temperature
50–80°F
Humidity
30–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Stebbins' Dandelion?
Well-draining sandy soil with some organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Stebbins' Dandelion to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Stebbins' Dandelion?
Feed Stebbins' Dandelion every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.
Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
Where Should You Plant a Stebbins' Dandelion?
Choose a spot with full sun and well-draining sandy soil with some organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Stebbins' Dandelion is suited to USDA Zone 12a.
Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Stebbins' Dandelion?
Stebbins' Dandelion can spread to about 1 ft (0.3 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.3 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.
Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.
How Do You Prune a Stebbins' Dandelion?
Prune Stebbins' Dandelion while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.
If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.
How Do You Care for a Stebbins' Dandelion in Winter?
Stebbins' Dandelion is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.
How Do You Propagate a Stebbins' Dandelion?
Stebbins' Dandelion can be propagated through seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to coulter's malacothrix plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Stebbins' Dandelion Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Stebbins' Dandelion, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Stebbins' Dandelion?
Stebbins' Dandelion is susceptible to aphids, whiteflies. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Stebbins' Dandelion Need?
Stebbins' Dandelion grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Stebbins' Dandelion is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. In cooler regions, grow Stebbins' Dandelion as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Stebbins' Dandelion is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Malacothrix genus — compare its care with other Malacothrix species on PlantoScan.
Malacothrix is part of the Asteraceae plant family — browse all Asteraceae genera and species.
Stebbins' Dandelion thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Malacothrix Species
Other Malacothrix species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Malacothrix stebbinsii W.S.Davis & P.H.Raven, family Asteraceae (first published in Madroño 16: 265 (1962)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Stebbins' Dandelion, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
