Claytonia exigua subsp. glauca
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Family: Montiaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Claytonia exigua subsp. glauca is a native California herb in the Montiaceae family, recognized by . Disk-shaped fused stem leaves diagnostic.
Claytonia exigua subsp. glauca is a California native annual found in the Klamath Ranges, northern Coast Ranges, San Francisco Bay Area, and southern Coast Ranges on dry or moist serpentine and disturbed soils at elevations below 1,000 meters. Flowering from April to July, this delicate plant produces small white petals approximately 2 millimeters long. Growing with slender stems that form a distinctive disk-like structure where leaves are fused, it spreads low across the ground. Its leaves merge into a compact, nearly circular disk along the stem, creating a unique botanical profile. The plant's chromosomal configuration of 2n=16 contributes to its ability to thrive in challenging serpentine environments.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Co-occurs with 16 species. Disk-shaped fused stem leaves diagnostic.
Habitat and range
Habitat: Dry or moist, disturbed bare clay to sandy soils, often serpentine
Elevation: < 1000 m
California counties: Contra Costa, Santa Clara, Sonoma, Colusa, Tehama, Humboldt, Lake, Del Norte, San Luis Obispo, Placer
Outside California: to British Columbia
Bloom period
Claytonia exigua subsp. glauca blooms Apr-Jul.
How to tell it apart
vs Montia: Claytonia has just 2 stem leaves opposite or fused; Montia has multiple stem leaves arranged alternately.; vs Stellaria: Claytonia has 2 broad stem leaves and 5 petals; Stellaria has many narrow opposite leaves and deeply notched petals.; vs Hydrocotyle: Claytonia has 5-petaled flowers above paired stem leaves; Hydrocotyle has round shield-like leaves and tiny flower clusters.; vs Lewisia: Claytonia has thin leaves on upright stems in moist areas; Lewisia forms succulent rosettes on rocky cliffs.; vs Dichondra: Claytonia has upright stems with 5-petaled flowers; Dichondra is a creeping plant with kidney-shaped leaves.
Frequently asked questions
Is Claytonia exigua subsp. glauca native to California?
Yes. Claytonia exigua subsp. glauca is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Claytonia exigua subsp. glauca bloom?
Claytonia exigua subsp. glauca blooms Apr-Jul.
Where in California does Claytonia exigua subsp. glauca grow?
Claytonia exigua subsp. glauca occurs in Contra Costa, Santa Clara, Sonoma, Colusa, Tehama, Humboldt, Lake, Del Norte and other counties, at elevations of < 1000 m.
What plant family does Claytonia exigua subsp. glauca belong to?
Claytonia exigua subsp. glauca is in the Montiaceae family, genus Claytonia.
What habitat does Claytonia exigua subsp. glauca grow in?
Claytonia exigua subsp. glauca grows in Dry or moist, disturbed bare clay to sandy soils, often serpentine.
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.