Glossopetalon pungens
Pungent glossopetalon, Pungent Glossopetalon
(c) Matt Berger, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Crossosomataceae · Type: Shrub · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.2
Glossopetalon pungens (Pungent glossopetalon) is a native California shrub in the Crossosomataceae family, recognized by key differences are growth form, thorniness, and leaf venation.
Pungent glossopetalon is a rare (CNPS 1B.2) California native shrub found in the eastern Desert Mountains, specifically the Clark Mountain Range, on limestone cliffs at elevations of 1,700 to 2,075 meters. Flowering from May to June, this plant produces small white to cream-colored flowers with 10 stamens and acuminate sepals that have spine-tipped edges. Growing as a low, matted plant 5 to 20 centimeters tall with a compact, spreading growth habit, it forms dense ground-covering clusters. Its leaves are narrow and distinctive, measuring 6 to 10 millimeters long, with narrow-elliptic to oblanceolate shapes and prominently visible veins on the underside. The plant produces a single light brown seed less than 1 millimeter in size, adapted to its harsh desert mountain environment.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 1 sympatric species; key differences are growth form, thorniness, and leaf venation
Habitat and range
Habitat: Limestone cliffs
Elevation: 1700-2075 m
California counties: San Bernardino
Outside California: southern Nevada
Bloom period
Glossopetalon pungens blooms May-Jun.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.2
How to tell it apart
vs Crossosoma: Glossopetalon flowers are in leaf axils with 4-10 stamens; Crossosoma flowers are at branch tips with 15-50 stamens.; vs Thamnosma: Glossopetalon is unscented and has opposite leaves; Thamnosma is strongly aromatic with alternate leaves.; vs Castela: Glossopetalon has bisexual flowers; Castela has separate male and female flowers.; vs Tamarix: Glossopetalon has large petals and 4-10 stamens; Tamarix has tiny petals in dense pink spikes.; vs Maytenus: Glossopetalon has separate petals; Maytenus has tiny flowers with petals joined at base.
Frequently asked questions
Is Glossopetalon pungens native to California?
Yes. Glossopetalon pungens is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Glossopetalon pungens bloom?
Glossopetalon pungens blooms May-Jun.
Where in California does Glossopetalon pungens grow?
Glossopetalon pungens occurs in San Bernardino, at elevations of 1700-2075 m.
What plant family does Glossopetalon pungens belong to?
Glossopetalon pungens is in the Crossosomataceae family, genus Glossopetalon.
Is Glossopetalon pungens rare or endangered?
Glossopetalon pungens carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.2, 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.