Red Rock Tarplant
ExplorePlants
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. To easily track and identify Red Rock Tarplant on your next adventure, download the Snappit app.
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
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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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
Ability
Sticky Resin Shield
Produces a dense coating of sticky, aromatic resin that acts as a physical barrier against herbivores and significantly reduces moisture loss.
Ability
Xeric Crevice Anchoring
Possesses a specialized root system capable of anchoring deep into solid rock crevices and clay, extracting scarce moisture from arid substrates.
Ability
Solar Heat Reflection
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
No trait badges are assigned for this object yet.
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?
The easiest way to identify Red Rock Tarplant is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
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.
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