Boykinia rotundifolia
Round leaved boykinia
Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Saxifragaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Boykinia rotundifolia (Round leaved boykinia) is a native California herb in the Saxifragaceae family, recognized by (B. occidentalis). Geographic separation plus distinctive shallow leaf division.
Round leaved boykinia is a California native perennial found in southern Santa Lucia Mountains, Transverse Ranges, and Peninsular Ranges on streambanks at elevations below 2,000 meters. Flowering from May to July, this plant produces white flowers with small obovate petals arranged in crowded, slightly overlapping clusters. Growing with robust stems 30 to 80 centimeters tall, the plant has a stout, sturdy structure. Its leaves are large, reaching up to 18 centimeters wide, with round-sided lobes and teeth, and long petioles 5 to 18 centimeters in length. The leaf margins often feature subtle brown-bristled edges, adding textural complexity to its appearance.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 1 sympatric species (B. occidentalis). Geographic separation plus distinctive shallow leaf division.
Habitat and range
Habitat: Streambanks
Elevation: < 2000 m
California counties: Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside, Orange, San Diego, Mariposa, Santa Barbara, Del Norte, Ventura
Bloom period
Boykinia rotundifolia blooms May-Jul.
How to tell it apart
vs Heuchera: Boykinia has large leaves over 4 cm and flat-topped clusters; Heuchera has smaller leaves and branched pyramids; vs Glechoma: Boykinia has flat-topped flower clusters; Glechoma has small paired flowers in leaf axils along square stems; vs Saxifraga: Boykinia has large rounded leaves over 4 cm; Saxifraga has small narrow leaves under 2 cm; vs Tiarella: Boykinia has flat-topped flower clusters; Tiarella has bottlebrush-like spikes; vs Micranthes: Boykinia leaves are over 4 cm with open lobes; Micranthes leaves are under 4 cm with rounded teeth
Frequently asked questions
Is Boykinia rotundifolia native to California?
Yes. Boykinia rotundifolia is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Boykinia rotundifolia bloom?
Boykinia rotundifolia blooms May-Jul.
Where in California does Boykinia rotundifolia grow?
Boykinia rotundifolia occurs in Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside, Orange, San Diego, Mariposa, Santa Barbara, Del Norte and other counties, at elevations of < 2000 m.
What plant family does Boykinia rotundifolia belong to?
Boykinia rotundifolia is in the Saxifragaceae family, genus Boykinia.
What habitat does Boykinia rotundifolia grow in?
Boykinia rotundifolia grows in Streambanks.
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.