Fagonia laevis
California fagonbush
Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Zygophyllaceae · Type: Shrub · Native
Fagonia laevis (California fagonbush) is a native California shrub in the Zygophyllaceae family, recognized by clear growth form difference (shrub vs perennial herb) and elevation separation.
California fagonbush is a California native shrub found in the Mojave Desert (Bioregion D) on rocky hillsides and sandy washes at elevations below 1,200 meters. Flowering from March to May and November to January, this plant produces small flowers approximately 1 centimeter wide. Growing as a compact shrub less than 1 meter tall with intricately branched stems, it forms a dense and intricate structure. Its leaves have 3 to 9 millimeter leaflets that are typically narrower than the petiole, generally 1 to 4 millimeters wide. The fruit is 4 to 5 millimeters wide and minutely hairy, with a style 1 to 2 millimeters long that is wider at its base.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 1 sympatric species; clear growth form difference (shrub vs perennial herb) and elevation separation
Habitat and range
Habitat: Rocky hillsides, sandy washes
Elevation: < 1200 m
California counties: San Bernardino, Riverside, San Diego, Imperial, Inyo
Outside California: to southwestern Utah, northwestern Mexico
Bloom period
Fagonia laevis blooms Mar-May, Nov--Jan.
How to tell it apart
vs Larrea: Fagonia has three spine-tipped leaflets spreading like fingers; Larrea has two leaflets joined at base without spines.; vs Chorizanthe: Fagonia is a woody shrub with three-part spiny leaves; Chorizanthe is herbaceous with simple leaves and papery flower bracts.; vs Salsola: Fagonia has distinct three-leaflet clusters with obvious spines; Salsola has succulent-like single leaves spiraling around stems.; vs Galium: Fagonia is a woody desert shrub with rigid spine-tipped leaves; Galium is a delicate herb with soft whorled leaves.; vs Zygophyllum: Fagonia has three spine-tipped leaflets; Zygophyllum has paired fleshy leaflets without spine tips.
Frequently asked questions
Is Fagonia laevis native to California?
Yes. Fagonia laevis is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Fagonia laevis bloom?
Fagonia laevis blooms Mar-May, Nov--Jan.
Where in California does Fagonia laevis grow?
Fagonia laevis occurs in San Bernardino, Riverside, San Diego, Imperial, Inyo, at elevations of < 1200 m.
What plant family does Fagonia laevis belong to?
Fagonia laevis is in the Zygophyllaceae family, genus Fagonia.
What habitat does Fagonia laevis grow in?
Fagonia laevis grows in Rocky hillsides, sandy washes.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
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.