Jepsonia malvifolia
Island jepsonia
(c) Cayman Lanzone, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Saxifragaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 4.2
Jepsonia malvifolia (Island jepsonia) is a native California herb in the Saxifragaceae family, recognized by no overlap with other species.
Island jepsonia is a rare California native (CNPS rank 4.2) perennial found in the Channel Islands at elevations below 700 meters on rocky outcrops and clay slopes. Flowering from September to November, this plant produces small flowers with yellow-green to pink calyx lobes and petals with distinctive red veins. Growing with a flattened or branched caudex, it typically develops 2 to 3 leaves and slender stems 5 to 25 centimeters tall that often dry brown. Its leaves are generally sparse, emerging from a compact base. The fruit develops as a yellow-green structure often marked with tan stripes, adding subtle visual interest to this delicate island endemic.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Geographically isolated on Channel Islands; no overlap with other species
Habitat and range
Habitat: Rocky outcrops, clay slopes
Elevation: < 700 m
Outside California: Baja California (Guadalupe Island)
Bloom period
Jepsonia malvifolia blooms Sep-Nov.
Conservation status
CNPS 4.2
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 malvifolia native to California?
Yes. Jepsonia malvifolia is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Jepsonia malvifolia bloom?
Jepsonia malvifolia blooms Sep-Nov.
What plant family does Jepsonia malvifolia belong to?
Jepsonia malvifolia is in the Saxifragaceae family, genus Jepsonia.
Is Jepsonia malvifolia rare or endangered?
Jepsonia malvifolia carries California Rare Plant Rank 4.2, state rank S4.
What habitat does Jepsonia malvifolia grow in?
Jepsonia malvifolia grows in Rocky outcrops, clay slopes.
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.