Draba californica
California draba
(c) Jim Morefield, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Jim Morefield · licence
Family: Brassicaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 4.2
Draba californica (California draba) is a native California herb in the Brassicaceae family.
California draba is a native perennial herb ranked 4.2 by CNPS, found in the northern White Mountains of Mono County in open, rocky areas and grassy meadows at elevations of 3,250 to 4,000 meters. Flowering from June to August, this plant produces small white flowers approximately 2 to 3 millimeters long with delicate white petals. Growing with short stems 4 to 9 centimeters tall, this diminutive plant features distinctive 4 to 8-rayed hairs covering its stems and leaves. Its basal leaves are oblanceolate, 6 to 20 millimeters long, with entire margins and hairy surfaces, while the plant typically has zero to three cauline leaves. The fruit is oblong to lanceolate, 6 to 9 millimeters long, bearing 22 to 32 flat seeds.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 0 sympatric species; geographically isolated
Habitat and range
Habitat: Open, rocky areas, grassy meadows
Elevation: 3250-4000 m
California counties: Mono, Tulare, Alpine
Bloom period
Draba californica blooms Jun-Aug.
Conservation status
CNPS 4.2
How to tell it apart
vs Physaria: Draba has flattened pods; Physaria has inflated balloon-like pods.; vs Lepidium: Draba has flattened pods with 10+ seeds; Lepidium has flat round pods with 2 seeds per chamber.; vs Boechera: Draba pods short and broad; Boechera pods long and narrow like pencils.
Frequently asked questions
Is Draba californica native to California?
Yes. Draba californica is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Draba californica bloom?
Draba californica blooms Jun-Aug.
Where in California does Draba californica grow?
Draba californica occurs in Mono, Tulare, Alpine, at elevations of 3250-4000 m.
What plant family does Draba californica belong to?
Draba californica is in the Brassicaceae family, genus Draba.
Is Draba californica rare or endangered?
Draba californica carries California Rare Plant Rank 4.2, state rank S3.
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.