Dichondra occidentalis
Western dichondra
Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Convolvulaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 4.2
Dichondra occidentalis (Western dichondra) is a native California herb in the Convolvulaceae family, recognized by red-purple flowers and glabrous leaves.
Western dichondra is a California native perennial found in southern California Coast Ranges, coastal southern California, Channel Islands, and Peninsular Ranges in coastal scrub, chaparral, and oak woodland at elevations below 520 meters. Flowering from March to June, this plant produces small red to purple flowers approximately 3 to 3.5 millimeters long. Growing with soft, dense white to pale brown hairs across most of its structure, it spreads in low-growing patches. Its rounded leaves are 12 to 20 millimeters long and 20 to 30 millimeters wide, typically smooth and generally glabrous with petioles 2.5 to 6 centimeters long. In coastal habitats, this delicate perennial often nestles discreetly among rocks and shrubs.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 2 sympatric species; distinguished by red-purple flowers and glabrous leaves
Habitat and range
Habitat: Among rocks, shrubs, in coastal scrub, chaparral, oak woodland
Elevation: < 520 m
California counties: San Diego, Los Angeles, Orange, Santa Barbara, Marin, San Luis Obispo, Ventura, Sonoma, San Bernardino
Outside California: Baja California
Bloom period
Dichondra occidentalis blooms Mar-Jun.
Conservation status
CNPS 4.2
How to tell it apart
vs Claytonia: Claytonia leaves are spoon-shaped or linear, not kidney-shaped with central notch like Dichondra.; vs Viola: Viola has heart-shaped leaves with pointed tips; Dichondra leaves are perfectly round with deep notch.; vs Cardamine: Cardamine has divided or lobed leaves; Dichondra leaves are simple, kidney-shaped, unlobed.; vs Trifolium: Trifolium has three leaflets per leaf; Dichondra has single kidney-shaped leaves.; vs Calystegia: Calystegia climbs or trails with large flowers; Dichondra forms ground mats with tiny hidden flowers.
Frequently asked questions
Is Dichondra occidentalis native to California?
Yes. Dichondra occidentalis is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Dichondra occidentalis bloom?
Dichondra occidentalis blooms Mar-Jun.
Where in California does Dichondra occidentalis grow?
Dichondra occidentalis occurs in San Diego, Los Angeles, Orange, Santa Barbara, Marin, San Luis Obispo, Ventura, Sonoma and other counties, at elevations of < 520 m.
What plant family does Dichondra occidentalis belong to?
Dichondra occidentalis is in the Convolvulaceae family, genus Dichondra.
Is Dichondra occidentalis rare or endangered?
Dichondra occidentalis carries California Rare Plant Rank 4.2, state rank S3S4.
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.