Heuchera hirsutissima
Shaggy-haired alumroot
(c) Melanie J. Davis, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Saxifragaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.3
Heuchera hirsutissima (Shaggy-haired alumroot) is a native California herb in the Saxifragaceae family, recognized by extreme miniature size.
Shaggy-haired alumroot is a rare (CNPS 1B.3) California native perennial found in the Santa Rosa Mountains in the Peninsular Ranges, inhabiting rocky areas at elevations of 2,200 to 3,500 meters. Flowering in July, this plant produces delicate white to cream flowers approximately 4 to 5 millimeters long with oblanceolate petals. Growing as a compact plant 8 to 25 millimeters tall, it forms dense, low-growing clusters with glandular stems. Its leaves are small and densely clustered, with a distinctively hairy texture that gives the plant its common name. The flower structure is subtly asymmetrical, with unequal calyx lobes and stamens nestled closely within the hypanthium.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 3 sympatric species; extreme miniature size is diagnostic
Habitat and range
Habitat: Rocky areas
Elevation: 2200-3500 m
California counties: Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego
Bloom period
Heuchera hirsutissima blooms Jul.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.3
How to tell it apart
vs Tellima: Heuchera has branched flower clusters; Tellima's flowers are in a simple unbranched spike; vs Tiarella: Heuchera's flower clusters branch repeatedly; Tiarella has a single bottlebrush-like spike; vs Antigonon: Heuchera has tiny 5-petaled flowers in airy clusters; Antigonon has showy pink heart-shaped sepals on vines; vs Pelargonium: Heuchera has tiny flowers in delicate branched clusters; Pelargonium has large showy flowers with spurred blooms; vs Ribes: Heuchera is herbaceous with basal leaves; Ribes is a woody shrub with maple-like leaves
Frequently asked questions
Is Heuchera hirsutissima native to California?
Yes. Heuchera hirsutissima is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Heuchera hirsutissima bloom?
Heuchera hirsutissima blooms Jul.
Where in California does Heuchera hirsutissima grow?
Heuchera hirsutissima occurs in Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, at elevations of 2200-3500 m.
What plant family does Heuchera hirsutissima belong to?
Heuchera hirsutissima is in the Saxifragaceae family, genus Heuchera.
Is Heuchera hirsutissima rare or endangered?
Heuchera hirsutissima carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.3, 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.