Jepsonia heterandra
Foothill jepsonia
(c) Dee Shea Himes, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Saxifragaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 4.3
Jepsonia heterandra (Foothill jepsonia) is a native California herb in the Saxifragaceae family, recognized by occurs in Sierra Nevada foothills.
Foothill jepsonia is a rare (CNPS 4.3) California native perennial found in the northern Sierra Nevada Foothills from El Dorado to Mariposa counties and northeastern Stanislaus County in slate-like rock crevices and dry, rocky slopes at elevations below 700 meters. Flowering from August to January, this plant produces pale pink flowers with deep pink veins and calyx lobes, typically 3.5 to 6 millimeters long. Growing with a flattened, branched caudex and generally 2 to 3 leaves, it develops slender red-pink flowering stems that often dry to a tan color. Its leaves are small and few, emerging from the base of the plant. The fruit is distinctive, appearing green or rose-colored with reddish stripes.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Geographically isolated from all other Jepsonia species; occurs in Sierra Nevada foothills
Habitat and range
Habitat: Crevices, especially in slate-like rock; dry, rocky slopes
Elevation: < 700 m
California counties: Tuolumne, Mariposa, Amador, Calaveras, El Dorado, Tulare, Stanislaus
Bloom period
Jepsonia heterandra blooms Aug-Jan.
Conservation status
CNPS 4.3
How to tell it apart
vs Sidalcea: Jepsonia leaves attach at edge; checkerbloom leaves are deeply palmately lobed with 5-9 divisions.; vs Sanicula: Jepsonia has simple rounded leaves; sanicle has palmately divided leaves and grows in shade not rocky slopes.; vs Boykinia: Jepsonia leaves attach at edge and grow in dry rock; Boykinia leaves attach at center in moist streamside sites.; vs Darmera: Jepsonia leaves are tiny (under 4 inches) on dry slopes; umbrella plant has dinner-plate leaves in streams.
Frequently asked questions
Is Jepsonia heterandra native to California?
Yes. Jepsonia heterandra is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Jepsonia heterandra bloom?
Jepsonia heterandra blooms Aug-Jan.
Where in California does Jepsonia heterandra grow?
Jepsonia heterandra occurs in Tuolumne, Mariposa, Amador, Calaveras, El Dorado, Tulare, Stanislaus, at elevations of < 700 m.
What plant family does Jepsonia heterandra belong to?
Jepsonia heterandra is in the Saxifragaceae family, genus Jepsonia.
Is Jepsonia heterandra rare or endangered?
Jepsonia heterandra carries California Rare Plant Rank 4.3, 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.