Claytonia peirsonii subsp. bernardinus
San bernardino spring beauty
Photo: parent species Claytonia peirsonii · (c) Matt Berger, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Montiaceae · Type: Perennial · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.1
Claytonia peirsonii subsp. bernardinus (San bernardino spring beauty) is a native California perennial in the Montiaceae family.
San bernardino spring beauty is a rare (CNPS 1B.1) California native perennial found in the Transverse Ranges in openings of pinyon-juniper and white fir-limber pine mixed associations on north-facing stony slopes at elevations of 1,500 to 2,500 meters. Flowering from March to May, this plant produces white flowers with faint pink veining and a yellow base, delicately arranged in small clusters. Growing with erect stems 2.5 to 5.5 centimeters tall, it emerges from stony carbonate-rich substrates like limestone and marble. Its cauline leaves are narrow and linear, measuring 13 to 35 millimeters long, with distinctive reddish primary veins visible on the leaf surface. The plant thrives in areas with decomposing organic material, often nestled in rocky openings of mixed mountain woodlands.
Habitat and range
Habitat: Openings of pinyon-juniper and white fir-limber pine mixed associations, on north-facing stony and talus slopes of carbonate-dominated sedimentary (or metasedimentary) substrates (e.g. limestone, marble) often with decomposing organic material
Outside California: to Nevada
Bloom period
Claytonia peirsonii subsp. bernardinus blooms Mar-May.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.1
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 peirsonii subsp. bernardinus native to California?
Yes. Claytonia peirsonii subsp. bernardinus is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Claytonia peirsonii subsp. bernardinus bloom?
Claytonia peirsonii subsp. bernardinus blooms Mar-May.
What plant family does Claytonia peirsonii subsp. bernardinus belong to?
Claytonia peirsonii subsp. bernardinus is in the Montiaceae family, genus Claytonia.
Is Claytonia peirsonii subsp. bernardinus rare or endangered?
Claytonia peirsonii subsp. bernardinus carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.1, state rank S1.
What habitat does Claytonia peirsonii subsp. bernardinus grow in?
Claytonia peirsonii subsp. bernardinus grows in Openings of pinyon-juniper and white fir-limber pine mixed associations, on north-facing stony and talus slopes of carbonate-dominated sedimentary (or metasedimentary) substrates (e.g. limestone, marble) often with decomposing organic material.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos · CDFW CNDDB
Last updated 2026-09-30
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.