Malacothrix californica is a species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae known by the common name California desertdandelion.

Phyllaries usually 20–26+ in 2-3+ series, (midstripes often reddish) lanceolate to lance-linear or subulate, unequal, hyaline margins 0.1–0.5 mm wide, abaxial faces (of outermost, at least) shaggily piloso-hirsute to arachnose (at least proximally).

It is an annual herb producing a flowering stem up to about 45 centimeters high.

The pinnately lobed linear to lance-shaped leaves are mostly located around the base of the plant.

The inflorescence is a flower head borne singly lined with hairy-based phyllaries, usually 20 to 26 or more in 2 to 3 or more series.