Draba saxosa
Southern california rock draba, Southern California Rock Draba
Family: Brassicaceae · Type: Perennial · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.3
Draba saxosa (Southern california rock draba) is a native California perennial in the Brassicaceae family, recognized by large stature and many-flowered inflorescences.
Southern california rock draba is a rare (CNPS 1B.3) California native perennial found in the eastern Peninsular Ranges, specifically the Santa Rosa Mountains, on rocky slopes at elevations of 2,400 to 3,300 meters. Flowering from June to July, this plant produces bright yellow flowers in compact clusters with petals 3 to 5 millimeters long. Growing as a tufted, compact herb with unbranched stems 5 to 15 centimeters tall, it features distinctive hairy stems with a mix of simple and multi-rayed hairs. Its leaves are oblanceolate, 1 to 3 centimeters long, with dense white hairs on the underside and typically without cauline leaves. The plant produces small oblong fruits 6 to 10 millimeters long, covered with short-stalked, multi-rayed hairs.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 2 sympatric species; key features are large stature and many-flowered inflorescences
Habitat and range
Habitat: Rocky slopes
Elevation: 2400-3300 m
California counties: Riverside
Bloom period
Draba saxosa blooms Jun-Jul.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.3
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 saxosa native to California?
Yes. Draba saxosa is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Draba saxosa bloom?
Draba saxosa blooms Jun-Jul.
Where in California does Draba saxosa grow?
Draba saxosa occurs in Riverside, at elevations of 2400-3300 m.
What plant family does Draba saxosa belong to?
Draba saxosa is in the Brassicaceae family, genus Draba.
Is Draba saxosa rare or endangered?
Draba saxosa carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.3, state rank S2S3.
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 2026-09-30
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.