Red Rock Tarplant

deinandra arida

The Red Rock Tarplant (Deinandra arida) is an incredibly rare and resilient wildflower native to the harsh desert environments of California. Endemic to a very small region within Kern County, particularly Red Rock Canyon State Park, this species has adapted to survive in barren badlands and volcanic tuff where few other plants can persist. Its name comes from the sticky, aromatic resin secreted by its glands, which coats the plant and protects it from intense desert heat and thirsty herbivores. As a member of the aster family, it produces cheerful yellow flower heads that brighten the desert landscape when in bloom. Finding this botanical gem in its natural rugged habitat is a special treat for any plant enthusiast or hiker exploring the Mojave Desert.

Habitat: Found exclusively on volcanic tuff, sandstone cliffs, and clay-rich badlands within desert canyon ecosystems.

Appearance

This annual herb grows between 10 to 90 centimeters tall, featuring slender, highly branched stems covered in sticky, glandular hairs. Its narrow, green leaves are linear and emit a strong, resinous odor when touched. During its blooming period, it displays small, daisy-like flower heads consisting of bright yellow ray florets and matching yellow disk florets, giving the entire plant a golden, sun-kissed appearance against the red desert rocks.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderAsteralesFamilyAsteraceaeGenusDeinandra

Photo: Ken-ichi UedaCC BY 4.0 · iNaturalistView original ↗

Red Rock Tarplant

Interesting facts

Despite growing in near-barren sandstone and volcanic ash where other plants wither, it produces beautiful, vibrant yellow blossoms.

It is a micro-endemic species, meaning its global distribution is limited to an incredibly small, specific pocket of the California desert.

The sticky resin produced by this plant smells strongly of tar or turpentine, a unique defense mechanism that deters hungry desert herbivores.

Special abilities

Produces a dense coating of sticky, aromatic resin that acts as a physical barrier against herbivores and significantly reduces moisture loss.

Possesses a specialized root system capable of anchoring deep into solid rock crevices and clay, extracting scarce moisture from arid substrates.

Utilizes glandular trichomes to diffuse intense sunlight, protecting cellular structures from extreme desert heat and UV radiation.

Measurements & details

Length: 10-90 cm
Lifespan: 1 years

Diet & Feeding

As a photoautotrophic plant, it synthesizes its own food using sunlight, water, carbon dioxide, and essential soil minerals.

Primary Foods

Sunlight
Water
Carbon dioxide
Soil minerals

Ecological connections

Mutualism

Western Honey Bee

Apis mellifera

Pollinates the flowers while gathering nectar and pollen, ensuring successful plant reproduction.

Eaten by

Desert Pocket Mouse

Chaetodipus penicillatus

Forages on the fallen seeds of the tarplant as a source of energy in the arid desert.

Competitor

Desert Dandelion

Anisocoma acaulis

Competes for limited soil moisture and space in sandy desert washes.

Traits

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Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

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Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

No special safety notes yet.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Red Rock Tarplant?

Start with the whole plant, then compare leaf arrangement, leaf edges, stems and any flowers or fruit. Opposite leaves grow in pairs; alternate leaves come one at a time along the stem. These details tell you far more together than a single green leaf does. Plant Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

How long is Red Rock Tarplant?

10-90 cm

How long does Red Rock Tarplant live?

1 years

What does Red Rock Tarplant eat?

As a photoautotrophic plant, it synthesizes its own food using sunlight, water, carbon dioxide, and essential soil minerals.

Where is Red Rock Tarplant usually found?

Found exclusively on volcanic tuff, sandstone cliffs, and clay-rich badlands within desert canyon ecosystems.