Atrichoseris platyphylla – “Gravel Ghost”

Also Known As: Parachute flower, Tobacco Weed
Other Botanical Names: Malacothrix platyphylla
Family: Sunflower (Asteraceae)
Bloom Period: Feb-May
Form: Annual herb
Habitat: Desert valleys, washes
Leaves: Obovate, finely toothed; rosette
Translation: “Atrichoseris” is from the Greek athrix, “without hair,” plus seris, a genus with Chicory-like flowers, like this species has; “platyphylla” is Greek for “flat-leaved” or “broad-leaved;” “Malacothrix” is Greek for “soft hair,” and describes the fluffy seedhead of M. glabrata.
Notes: Perhaps it is called “Gravel Ghost” because it is so spindly and pale.