Holmgrenanthe petrophila
Rock lady
(c) Matt Berger, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Plantaginaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.2
Holmgrenanthe petrophila (Rock lady) is a native California herb in the Plantaginaceae family, recognized by Monotypic genus endemic to limestone cliffs in Death Valley region, representing a specialized lineage adapted to extreme desert rock….
Rock lady is a rare (CNPS 1B.2) California native perennial found in northern Mojave Desert regions including Titus Canyon, Fall Canyon, Death Valley, and Inyo County in limestone crevices of canyons at elevations of 700 to 1,700 meters. Flowering from April to June, this plant produces white to pale yellow flowers with delicate yellow throat folds. Growing with erect to pendulous stems 30 to 45 centimeters tall that become woody at the base and densely branch, it develops a complex glandular-hairy structure. Its leaves are approximately round to kidney-shaped, 12 to 35 millimeters long with irregular bristly teeth and prominent palmate veining. The fruit is nearly spherical, 8 to 10 millimeters long and dehiscent through two to three distinctive pores.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Monotypic genus endemic to limestone cliffs in Death Valley region, representing a specialized lineage adapted to extreme desert rock environments
Habitat and range
Habitat: Limestone crevices of canyons
Elevation: 700-1700 m
California counties: Inyo
Bloom period
Holmgrenanthe petrophila blooms Apr-Jun.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.2
How to tell it apart
vs Mohavea: Holmgrenanthe has rounded kidney-shaped leaves; Mohavea has narrow linear leaves.; vs Antirrhinum: Holmgrenanthe has kidney-shaped leaves and never twines; Antirrhinum has narrow leaves and may twine.; vs Linaria: Holmgrenanthe has rounded leaves without spurs; Linaria has thread-like leaves with long spurs.; vs Nuttallanthus: Holmgrenanthe has broad kidney-shaped leaves; Nuttallanthus has extremely narrow thread-like leaves.; vs Kickxia: Holmgrenanthe has rounded leaves and short flower stalks; Kickxia has arrow or heart-shaped leaves on long stalks.
Frequently asked questions
Is Holmgrenanthe petrophila native to California?
Yes. Holmgrenanthe petrophila is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Holmgrenanthe petrophila bloom?
Holmgrenanthe petrophila blooms Apr-Jun.
Where in California does Holmgrenanthe petrophila grow?
Holmgrenanthe petrophila occurs in Inyo, at elevations of 700-1700 m.
What plant family does Holmgrenanthe petrophila belong to?
Holmgrenanthe petrophila is in the Plantaginaceae family, genus Holmgrenanthe.
Is Holmgrenanthe petrophila rare or endangered?
Holmgrenanthe petrophila 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.