Condaliopsis divaricata
Graythorn
Family: Rhamnaceae · Type: Shrub · Native
Condaliopsis divaricata (Graythorn) is a native California shrub in the Rhamnaceae family.
Graythorn is a California native shrub found in desert regions of southeastern California in desert scrub habitats at elevations of 45 to 1,250 meters. Flowering from April to June, this plant produces small white flowers in clusters of 2 to 30 blossoms on stiff, spreading branches. Growing as a compact shrub less than 3 meters tall, it features distinctive gray bark and branches tipped with thorns that are densely covered in short white hairs. Its leaves are small and grayish, typically 2 to 20 millimeters long, with ovate or oblong shapes and occasionally toothed margins. The shrub produces small blue-black fleshy fruits 7 to 10 millimeters long, adding visual interest to its desert landscape.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 1 sympatric species; key differentiators are twig hairiness, leaf color/size, and fruit type
Habitat and range
Habitat: Uncommon. Desert scrub
Elevation: 45-1250 m
California counties: Riverside, Imperial, San Bernardino, San Diego
Outside California: Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Mexico
Bloom period
Condaliopsis divaricata blooms Apr-Jun.
How to tell it apart
vs Pseudoziziphus: Ziziphus has thick disk obscuring ovary; Pseudoziziphus has thin disk showing ovary clearly.; vs Condaliopsis: Ziziphus flowers have thick swollen disk center; Condaliopsis has thin or no disk.; vs Ulmus: Ziziphus has woody zigzag branches; Ulmus has straight branches with serrated leaves.; vs Ceanothus: Ziziphus has thick disk in flower center; Ceanothus has thin disk and showy petals.; vs Colubrina: Ziziphus has thick disk nearly hiding ovary; Colubrina has thin disk with visible ovary.
Frequently asked questions
Is Condaliopsis divaricata native to California?
Yes. Condaliopsis divaricata is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Condaliopsis divaricata bloom?
Condaliopsis divaricata blooms Apr-Jun.
Where in California does Condaliopsis divaricata grow?
Condaliopsis divaricata occurs in Riverside, Imperial, San Bernardino, San Diego, at elevations of 45-1250 m.
What plant family does Condaliopsis divaricata belong to?
Condaliopsis divaricata is in the Rhamnaceae family, genus Condaliopsis.
What habitat does Condaliopsis divaricata grow in?
Condaliopsis divaricata grows in Uncommon. Desert scrub.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-06
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.