Lithophragma maximum
San clemente island woodland star, San Clemente Island Woodland Star
(c) Casey H. Richart, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Saxifragaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.1 · Endangered
Lithophragma maximum (San clemente island woodland star) is a native California herb in the Saxifragaceae family, recognized by island endemic with distinctive large size.
San clemente island woodland star is a rare (CNPS 1B.1) California native perennial found in southern Channel Islands on San Clemente Island in steep, moist, northern-facing canyon slopes at elevations below 400 meters. Flowering from March to May, this plant produces delicate white flowers 3.5 to 4.5 millimeters long with approximately 5 lobes. Growing 40 to 60 centimeters tall with an upright habit, it develops from a distinctive base. Its basal leaves are three-parted with deeply lobed leaflets featuring sharp-pointed teeth, creating an intricate green foliage pattern. The flower's hypanthium is hemispheric to bell-shaped, with part of the structure fused to the ovary.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 2 sympatric species; island endemic with distinctive large size
Habitat and range
Habitat: Steep, moist, n-facing canyon slopes
Elevation: < 400 m
Bloom period
Lithophragma maximum blooms Mar-May.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.1 · Endangered
How to tell it apart
vs Delphinium: Lithophragma has regular 5-petaled flowers; Delphinium has irregular spurred flowers with hood-like upper petals.; vs Bowlesia: Lithophragma has showy pink-white flowers in clusters; Bowlesia has tiny greenish flowers in tight umbels.; vs Geranium: Lithophragma petals are fringed/lobed and has 3 styles; Geranium petals are entire and has 5 styles.; vs Lysimachia: Lithophragma has 3 styles and deeply lobed leaves; Lysimachia has 1 style and simple leaves.; vs Horkelia: Lithophragma has 3 styles and palmately lobed leaves; Horkelia has many styles and pinnately compound leaves.
Frequently asked questions
Is Lithophragma maximum native to California?
Yes. Lithophragma maximum is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Lithophragma maximum bloom?
Lithophragma maximum blooms Mar-May.
What plant family does Lithophragma maximum belong to?
Lithophragma maximum is in the Saxifragaceae family, genus Lithophragma.
Is Lithophragma maximum rare or endangered?
Lithophragma maximum carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.1, state rank S1.
What habitat does Lithophragma maximum grow in?
Lithophragma maximum grows in Steep, moist, n-facing canyon slopes.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · 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.