Lyonothamnus floribundus
Catalina ironwood
(c) Adam J. Searcy, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Adam J. Searcy · licence
Family: Rosaceae · Type: Tree · Native
Lyonothamnus floribundus (Catalina ironwood) is a native California tree in the Rosaceae family, recognized by Sole species of its genus; evergreen tree, opposite leaves, red-brown strip-peeling bark; Channel Islands endemic.
Catalina ironwood is a California native tree found on the Channel Islands in coastal chaparral and woodland habitats. Flowering from April to July, this tree produces delicate white flowers in flat-topped clusters with approximately 15 stamens. Growing to heights of 6 to 10 meters with a distinctive trunk bark that peels in gray to red-brown strips, it forms an elegant evergreen silhouette. Its opposite leaves are simple or compound, with blades dark shiny green on top and grayish underneath, creating a subtle two-toned appearance. The tree produces small woody follicles containing 1 to 4 compressed brown seeds, each about 2 millimeters long.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Sole species of its genus; evergreen tree, opposite leaves, red-brown strip-peeling bark; Channel Islands endemic
Habitat and range
California counties: Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Ventura, San Luis Obispo
How to tell it apart
vs Comptonia: Lyonothamnus has opposite leaves and peeling bark; sweetfern has alternate leaves and non-peeling bark.; vs Podocarpus: Lyonothamnus has flat-topped white flower clusters; podocarpus has cone-like seed structures.; vs Banksia: Lyonothamnus has small white flowers in flat clusters; banksia has large cylindrical flower spikes.; vs Acacia: Lyonothamnus has opposite leaves with toothed edges; acacia has alternate feathery or simple leaves.; vs Purshia: Lyonothamnus is a tree with opposite leaves and peeling bark; Purshia is a shrub with alternate lobed leaves.
Frequently asked questions
Is Lyonothamnus floribundus native to California?
Yes. Lyonothamnus floribundus is native to California (recorded as native).
Where in California does Lyonothamnus floribundus grow?
Lyonothamnus floribundus occurs in Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Ventura, San Luis Obispo.
What plant family does Lyonothamnus floribundus belong to?
Lyonothamnus floribundus is in the Rosaceae family, genus Lyonothamnus.
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.