Chylismia cardiophylla subsp. robusta
Photo: parent species Chylismia cardiophylla · Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Onagraceae · Type: Herb · Native
Chylismia cardiophylla subsp. robusta is a native California herb in the Onagraceae family, recognized by mixed hair types, round leaves, larger flowers.
Chylismia cardiophylla subsp. robusta is a California native perennial found in northern Mojave Desert in Inyo County, growing in sandy washes, slopes, and rocky walls within creosote-bush scrub at elevations of 600 to 1,400 meters. Flowering from March to May, this plant produces yellow flowers with petals 7 to 11 millimeters long. Growing with stems covered in both glandular and non-glandular hairs, it forms a compact perennial structure. Its distinctive leaves are heart-shaped (cordate-round), providing a unique visual characteristic to the plant. The hypanthium measures 9 to 14 millimeters, contributing to its delicate desert form.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 7 sympatric species; key features are mixed hair types, round leaves, larger flowers
Habitat and range
Habitat: Sandy washes, slopes, rocky walls, creosote-bush scrub
Elevation: 600-1400 m
California counties: Inyo
Bloom period
Chylismia cardiophylla subsp. robusta blooms Mar-May.
How to tell it apart
vs Eremothera: Chylismia has yellow flowers; Eremothera has white, pink, or red flowers that open at night.; vs Camissonia: Chylismia leaves are mostly basal and dandelion-like; Camissonia has narrow leaves up the stem.; vs Camissoniopsis: Chylismia has dandelion-like basal leaves; Camissoniopsis has lance-shaped leaves along the stem.; vs Eulobus: Chylismia has basal dandelion-like leaves; Eulobus has elegant wand-like stems with red-flecked petals.; vs Oenothera: Chylismia has dandelion-like basal leaves; Oenothera is typically a robust tall plant with 4-lobed stigma.
Frequently asked questions
Is Chylismia cardiophylla subsp. robusta native to California?
Yes. Chylismia cardiophylla subsp. robusta is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Chylismia cardiophylla subsp. robusta bloom?
Chylismia cardiophylla subsp. robusta blooms Mar-May.
Where in California does Chylismia cardiophylla subsp. robusta grow?
Chylismia cardiophylla subsp. robusta occurs in Inyo, at elevations of 600-1400 m.
What plant family does Chylismia cardiophylla subsp. robusta belong to?
Chylismia cardiophylla subsp. robusta is in the Onagraceae family, genus Chylismia.
What habitat does Chylismia cardiophylla subsp. robusta grow in?
Chylismia cardiophylla subsp. robusta grows in Sandy washes, slopes, rocky walls, creosote-bush scrub.
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.