Dithyrea maritima
Beach spectaclepod, Beach Spectaclepod
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Family: Brassicaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.1
Dithyrea maritima (Beach spectaclepod) is a native California herb in the Brassicaceae family, recognized by . Coastal distribution and low elevation habitat.
Beach spectaclepod is a rare (CNPS 1B.1) California native perennial found in southern Central Coast, southern Coast Ranges, and Channel Islands in coastal seashores and sand dunes at elevations below 50 meters. Flowering from March to August, this plant produces white to light purple flowers with petals 1.2 to 1.5 centimeters long. Growing with decumbent stems 10 to 21 centimeters tall, it spreads several to many stems from its base and develops a rhizomed habit. Its basal leaves are widely ovate to oblanceolate, ranging from 2 to 11 centimeters long with wavy or dentate edges, while distal leaves are shorter and either sessile or short-petioled. The plant's distinctive fruits contain two seeds, each 3 to 4 millimeters long and oblong in shape.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Geographically isolated with no sympatric congeners. Coastal distribution and low elevation habitat is diagnostic.
Habitat and range
Habitat: Seashores, coastal sand dunes
Elevation: < 50 m
California counties: Los Angeles, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Ventura, Riverside
Outside California: Baja California
Bloom period
Dithyrea maritima blooms Mar-Aug.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.1
How to tell it apart
vs Alyssum: Dithyrea has huge white petals (10-15mm) and spectacle-shaped pods; Alyssum has tiny yellow petals (1.5-4mm) and round flat pods.; vs Euclidium: Dithyrea has large showy white flowers (petals 10-15mm); Euclidium has microscopic flowers (petals under 1.3mm).; vs Tropidocarpum: Dithyrea has naked flower clusters and spectacle-shaped fruits; Tropidocarpum has leafy bracts throughout inflorescence.; vs Hornungia: Dithyrea has large white petals (10-15mm) and spectacle fruits; Hornungia has tiny petals (1-2mm) and oval pods.; vs Physaria: Dithyrea has spectacle-shaped fruits with 2 seeds total; Physaria has round bladder-like fruits with multiple seeds.
Frequently asked questions
Is Dithyrea maritima native to California?
Yes. Dithyrea maritima is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Dithyrea maritima bloom?
Dithyrea maritima blooms Mar-Aug.
Where in California does Dithyrea maritima grow?
Dithyrea maritima occurs in Los Angeles, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Ventura, Riverside, at elevations of < 50 m.
What plant family does Dithyrea maritima belong to?
Dithyrea maritima is in the Brassicaceae family, genus Dithyrea.
Is Dithyrea maritima rare or endangered?
Dithyrea maritima carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.1, state rank S1.
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.