Crocanthemum scoparium var. vulgare
(c) velodrome, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by velodrome · licence
Family: Cistaceae · Type: Perennial · Native
Crocanthemum scoparium var. vulgare is a native California perennial in the Cistaceae family, recognized by Co-occurs with 3 other species; distinguished by intermediate size and flower number between varieties and smaller petals than C. aldersonii.
Sunrose is a California native perennial found in northern California coastal ranges, northern Sierra Nevada foothills, San Joaquin Valley, San Francisco Bay Area, southern California coastal ranges, and Peninsular Ranges in dry, sandy or rocky chaparral slopes at elevations of 50 to 1,200 meters. Flowering from March to July, this plant produces small yellow flowers arranged in clusters of 4 to 18 blooms along the stem. Growing with stems 30 to 45 centimeters tall that are proximally ascending and distally erect, it forms a compact and structured growth habit. Its leaves are small and closely arranged along the stems, supporting the plant's delicate structure in challenging dry environments. In harsh, rocky terrain, this resilient perennial creates low, spreading patches of bright yellow blossoms that punctuate the landscape.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Co-occurs with 3 other species; distinguished by intermediate size and flower number between varieties and smaller petals than C. aldersonii
Habitat and range
Habitat: Dry, sandy or rocky slopes, ridges in chaparral, sandy or stony mesas
Elevation: 50-1200 m
Outside California: Baja California
Bloom period
Crocanthemum scoparium var. vulgare blooms Mar-Jul.
How to tell it apart
vs Helianthemum: Crocanthemum has alternate stem leaves; Helianthemum has opposite stem leaves.; vs Acmispon: Acmispon has compound leaves with 3-5 leaflets and pea-shaped flowers; Crocanthemum has simple leaves and flat 5-petaled flowers.; vs Dendromecon: Dendromecon is a large shrub with leathery gray-green leaves; Crocanthemum is a ground-hugging herb.; vs Oenothera: Oenothera flowers have 4 petals and an X-shaped stigma; Crocanthemum has 5 petals.; vs Eschscholzia: Eschscholzia has finely dissected ferny leaves; Crocanthemum has simple entire leaves.
Frequently asked questions
Is Crocanthemum scoparium var. vulgare native to California?
Yes. Crocanthemum scoparium var. vulgare is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Crocanthemum scoparium var. vulgare bloom?
Crocanthemum scoparium var. vulgare blooms Mar-Jul.
What plant family does Crocanthemum scoparium var. vulgare belong to?
Crocanthemum scoparium var. vulgare is in the Cistaceae family, genus Crocanthemum.
What habitat does Crocanthemum scoparium var. vulgare grow in?
Crocanthemum scoparium var. vulgare grows in Dry, sandy or rocky slopes, ridges in chaparral, sandy or stony mesas.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-08
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.