Carpenteria sp.
Family: Hydrangeaceae · Type: Perennial · Variable; species dependent
Carpenteria sp. is a non-native California perennial in the Hydrangeaceae family.
How to tell it apart
vs Rosa: Carpenteria leaves are simple and opposite with smooth edges; roses have alternate pinnate leaves with leaflets.; vs Camellia: Carpenteria leaves have a single prominent vein from the base; Camellias have pinnate venation.; vs Philadelphus: Carpenteria has thick evergreen leaves with one vein; Philadelphus has deciduous three-veined leaves.; vs Cistus: Carpenteria has opposite leaves and numerous stamens; Cistus has alternate leaves and crinkled petals.; vs Nerium: Carpenteria leaves are in opposite pairs; oleander leaves are in whorls of three.
Frequently asked questions
Is Carpenteria sp. native to California?
No. Carpenteria sp. is not native to California (recorded as variable; species dependent).
What plant family does Carpenteria sp. belong to?
Carpenteria sp. is in the Hydrangeaceae family, genus Carpenteria.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-04-14
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.