Claytonia parviflora subsp. grandiflora
Streambank spring beauty, Streambank Spring Beauty
Photo: parent species Claytonia parviflora · (c) Matt Berger, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Montiaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 4.2
Claytonia parviflora subsp. grandiflora (Streambank spring beauty) is a native California herb in the Montiaceae family, recognized by . Disk leaves and large petals in foothill habitat distinctive.
Streambank spring beauty is a California native annual found in the Sierra Nevada Foothills and Tehachapi Mountains in vernally moist, often disturbed sites at elevations of 150 to 1,200 meters. Flowering from May to July, this delicate plant produces small white to pink flowers 4 to 6 millimeters long with distinctive narrow petals. Growing with slender stems 10 to 30 centimeters tall, it has unique cauline leaves that partially fuse into a disk-like formation. Its leaves are characterized by an unusual fused structure, creating a distinctive disk-like base along the stem. The tiny seeds measure 1.2 to 1.5 millimeters, complementing the plant's diminutive and delicate nature.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Co-occurs with 7 species. Disk leaves and large petals in foothill habitat distinctive.
Habitat and range
Habitat: Vernally moist, often disturbed sites
Elevation: 150-1200 m
California counties: Placer, El Dorado, Fresno, Calaveras, Alameda, Inyo, Kern, San Bernardino, Tulare, Amador, Sonoma, Butte, Tuolumne
Bloom period
Claytonia parviflora subsp. grandiflora blooms May-Jul.
Conservation status
CNPS 4.2
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 parviflora subsp. grandiflora native to California?
Yes. Claytonia parviflora subsp. grandiflora is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Claytonia parviflora subsp. grandiflora bloom?
Claytonia parviflora subsp. grandiflora blooms May-Jul.
Where in California does Claytonia parviflora subsp. grandiflora grow?
Claytonia parviflora subsp. grandiflora occurs in Placer, El Dorado, Fresno, Calaveras, Alameda, Inyo, Kern, San Bernardino and other counties, at elevations of 150-1200 m.
What plant family does Claytonia parviflora subsp. grandiflora belong to?
Claytonia parviflora subsp. grandiflora is in the Montiaceae family, genus Claytonia.
Is Claytonia parviflora subsp. grandiflora rare or endangered?
Claytonia parviflora subsp. grandiflora carries California Rare Plant Rank 4.2, state rank S3.
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.