Baileya multiradiata is native to southwestern North America as you can tell from the figure below. However, it is most concentrated in California and Southwestern deserts, where there is sand and/or gravel and rocks. B. multiradiata is an annual, short-lived perennial plant that has naked stems and is topped by a marigold like flower that is lost early in the growing season. B. multiradiata has a shortened lifespan when living in the deserts. Conditions of excess water will also shorten its life span. “The perfect habitat is a light loam soil of moderate fertility, full hot sun, and a rock for each plant (laspilitas.com).” The best condition in order for B. multiradiata to thrive is when there is natural water after a long period of a dry environment. Therefore, the most beneficial soil condition is able to drain the water well and is tolerant of diverse environments. B. multiradiata thrives in lower elevations of below 5000 feet and is extremely common along roadsides.

B. multiradiata has some special characteristics. Baileya multiradiata may be a source of the molecule called antineoplastic pseduoguaianolide, radiation, which may be helpful in cancer therapy. B. multiradiata aids in the inhibition of tumor formation and antibiotic activity (sesquiterpene lactone) due to B. multiradiata being the source of the molecule baileyolin. A negative aspect of B. multiradiata is that it has been reported to be toxic to certain livestock such as sheep and goats but do not affect others such as cattle and horses. This toxicity is due to hymenoxon, which is a sesquiterpene lactone. Not only does B. multiradiata affect mammals, but it is useful by providing nectar for nectar-insects, nectar-bees, and nectar-butterflies. B. multiradiata is valued in aesthetically enhancing landscapes through its bright color and xeriscaping. Other characteristics of B. multiradiata can be viewed from the chart below.