Jepsonia parryi
Parry's jepsonia
(c) Madeleine Claire, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Saxifragaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Jepsonia parryi (Parry's jepsonia) is a native California herb in the Saxifragaceae family, recognized by no sympatric species.
Parry's jepsonia is a California native perennial found in southern California coastal regions including Orange, Riverside, and San Diego counties and the Peninsular Ranges in shrubby, rocky to clay slopes at elevations below 1,200 meters. Flowering from October to February, this plant produces small flowers with tan or purple-veined petals generally 3.5 to 6 millimeters long. Growing with a generally ovoid, unbranched caudex and typically a single leaf, it forms a compact herb with distinctive botanical characteristics. Its solitary leaf emerges near the base, accompanying delicate flower clusters on brown peduncles up to 28 centimeters tall. The fruit develops green or tan with brown striping, adding visual interest to this subtle native plant.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Geographically isolated in southern California; no sympatric species
Habitat and range
Habitat: shrubby, rocky to clay slopes
Elevation: < 1200 m
California counties: San Diego, Orange, Riverside, Los Angeles
Outside California: Baja California
Bloom period
Jepsonia parryi blooms Oct-Feb.
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 parryi native to California?
Yes. Jepsonia parryi is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Jepsonia parryi bloom?
Jepsonia parryi blooms Oct-Feb.
Where in California does Jepsonia parryi grow?
Jepsonia parryi occurs in San Diego, Orange, Riverside, Los Angeles, at elevations of < 1200 m.
What plant family does Jepsonia parryi belong to?
Jepsonia parryi is in the Saxifragaceae family, genus Jepsonia.
What habitat does Jepsonia parryi grow in?
Jepsonia parryi grows in shrubby, rocky to clay slopes.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
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.