Camissonia sierrae subsp. alticola
Mono hot springs evening-primrose, Mono Hot Springs Evening-Primrose
(c) Chris Winchell, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Onagraceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.2
Camissonia sierrae subsp. alticola (Mono hot springs evening-primrose) is a native California herb in the Onagraceae family, recognized by high elevation, no red petal spots.
Mono hot springs evening-primrose is a rare (CNPS 1B.2) California native annual found in central Sierra Nevada Mountains in Mariposa and northeastern Fresno counties, growing on shallow granite outcrops and ponderosa-pine forest at elevations of 2,000 to 2,350 meters. Flowering from May to July, this plant produces delicate pale yellow to white flowers approximately 4 millimeters long with subtle serrated petals. Growing with slender, branching stems typically 10 to 30 centimeters tall, it forms compact clusters in rocky alpine environments. Its leaves are lanceolate with several small teeth, arranged alternately along thin stems and colored a soft green. The plant's compact growth and distinctive leaf structure make it well-adapted to high-elevation granite landscapes.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 2 sympatric species; high elevation, no red petal spots
Habitat and range
Habitat: Shallow soil on granite outcrops, ponderosa-pine forest
Elevation: 2000-2350 m
California counties: Fresno, Mariposa
Bloom period
Camissonia sierrae subsp. alticola blooms May-Jul.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.2
How to tell it apart
vs Camissoniopsis: Camissonia flowers from top with round fruits; Camissoniopsis flowers from base with four-angled fruits.; vs Eulobus: Camissonia has plain yellow petals; Eulobus has elegant wands with red flecks at petal bases.; vs Chylismia: Camissonia has narrow leaves up the stem; Chylismia has dandelion-like basal leaves.; vs Taraxia: Camissonia flowers from upper stem; Taraxia flowers open from ground level at night.; vs Eschscholzia: Camissonia has four petals and cylindrical fruits; Eschscholzia has dissected leaves and poppy-like flowers.
Frequently asked questions
Is Camissonia sierrae subsp. alticola native to California?
Yes. Camissonia sierrae subsp. alticola is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Camissonia sierrae subsp. alticola bloom?
Camissonia sierrae subsp. alticola blooms May-Jul.
Where in California does Camissonia sierrae subsp. alticola grow?
Camissonia sierrae subsp. alticola occurs in Fresno, Mariposa, at elevations of 2000-2350 m.
What plant family does Camissonia sierrae subsp. alticola belong to?
Camissonia sierrae subsp. alticola is in the Onagraceae family, genus Camissonia.
Is Camissonia sierrae subsp. alticola rare or endangered?
Camissonia sierrae subsp. alticola carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.2, state rank S2.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CNPS Rare Plant Inventory · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos · CDFW CNDDB
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.