Lyonothamnus floribundus subsp. floribundus
Santa catalina island ironwood, Santa Catalina Island Ironwood
(c) Adam J. Searcy, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Adam J. Searcy · licence
Family: Rosaceae · Type: Tree · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.2
Lyonothamnus floribundus subsp. floribundus (Santa catalina island ironwood) is a native California tree in the Rosaceae family, recognized by 2 sympatric subspecies; distinguished by simple vs compound leaves.
Santa catalina island ironwood is a rare (CNPS 1B.2) California native tree found in southern Channel Islands, specifically on Santa Catalina Island, in rocky slopes, canyons, oak woodland, and chaparral at elevations of 100 to 500 meters. Flowering from May to June, this tree produces white flowers in clusters. Growing 5 to 15 meters tall with an upright, branching form, it develops a distinctive architectural structure with multiple trunks. Its leaves are 7 to 17 centimeters long, linear to oblong in shape, generally appearing entire or with subtle crenate to irregular lobing. The tree forms dense, sculptural canopies that provide distinctive texture and character to its native island habitat.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 2 sympatric subspecies; distinguished by simple vs compound leaves
Habitat and range
Habitat: Rocky slopes, canyons, oak woodland, chaparral
Elevation: 100-500 m
Bloom period
Lyonothamnus floribundus subsp. floribundus blooms May-Jun.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.2
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 subsp. floribundus native to California?
Yes. Lyonothamnus floribundus subsp. floribundus is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Lyonothamnus floribundus subsp. floribundus bloom?
Lyonothamnus floribundus subsp. floribundus blooms May-Jun.
What plant family does Lyonothamnus floribundus subsp. floribundus belong to?
Lyonothamnus floribundus subsp. floribundus is in the Rosaceae family, genus Lyonothamnus.
Is Lyonothamnus floribundus subsp. floribundus rare or endangered?
Lyonothamnus floribundus subsp. floribundus carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.2, state rank S2.
What habitat does Lyonothamnus floribundus subsp. floribundus grow in?
Lyonothamnus floribundus subsp. floribundus grows in Rocky slopes, canyons, oak woodland, chaparral.
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.