Androsace septentrionalis
Pygmy-flower rock-jasmine
(c) F. Bemmerlein-Lux, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Primulaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Androsace septentrionalis (Pygmy-flower rock-jasmine) is a native California herb in the Primulaceae family, recognized by high elevation habitat, smaller size, and calyx structure.
Pygmy-flower rock-jasmine is a California native perennial found in central Sierra Nevada, San Bernardino Mountains, and Sierra Nevada eastern regions in dry, rocky sites at elevations of 2,700 to 3,600 meters. Flowering from July to August, this plant produces delicate white flowers with widely lanceolate reddish calyx lobes in small clusters. Growing as a diminutive herb just 1 to 6 centimeters tall with hairy stems, it forms weak, compact clusters. Its leaves are lance-linear, 5 to 20 millimeters long, tapering to a narrow base and ranging from entire to finely toothed. The plant's tiny white flowers emerge on slender peduncles, creating a subtle but charming alpine display.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 1 sympatric species; distinguished by high elevation habitat, smaller size, and calyx structure
Habitat and range
Habitat: Dry, rocky sites
Elevation: 2700-3600 m
California counties: Mono, San Bernardino, Fresno, Inyo, Tulare, Tuolumne, Alpine
Outside California: to British Columbia, Rocky Mountains
Bloom period
Androsace septentrionalis blooms Jul-Aug.
How to tell it apart
vs Pelargonium: Androsace has tiny white flowers (petals 1-3mm) in umbels; Pelargonium has much larger showy flowers in various colors.; vs Primula: Androsace petals face upward (1-3mm long); Primula petals reflex dramatically backward (much larger).
Frequently asked questions
Is Androsace septentrionalis native to California?
Yes. Androsace septentrionalis is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Androsace septentrionalis bloom?
Androsace septentrionalis blooms Jul-Aug.
Where in California does Androsace septentrionalis grow?
Androsace septentrionalis occurs in Mono, San Bernardino, Fresno, Inyo, Tulare, Tuolumne, Alpine, at elevations of 2700-3600 m.
What plant family does Androsace septentrionalis belong to?
Androsace septentrionalis is in the Primulaceae family, genus Androsace.
What habitat does Androsace septentrionalis grow in?
Androsace septentrionalis grows in Dry, rocky sites.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.