Micranthes fragosa
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Family: Saxifragaceae · Type: Perennial · Native
Micranthes fragosa is a native California perennial in the Saxifragaceae family, recognized by glandular pedicels and leaf shape diagnostic.
Micranthes fragosa is a California native perennial found in the Klamath Ranges, Cascade Range, and North Coast Ranges on moist, rocky slopes and outcrops at elevations of 500 to 2,000 meters. Flowering from March to June, this plant produces small white to cream-colored flowers in open clusters with spreading branches. Growing 15 to 35 centimeters tall with a distinctive caudex that forms rhizomes and bulblets, it develops delicate spreading stems. Its leaves are triangular to ovate, 4 to 11 centimeters long with petioles 2 to 5 centimeters, featuring bases that taper and margins that are entire or minutely toothed. The plant produces two follicles as fruit, with flowers featuring tiny obovate petals 2 to 3 millimeters long.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 11 sympatric species; glandular pedicels and leaf shape diagnostic
Habitat and range
Habitat: Moist, rocky slopes and outcrops
Elevation: 500-2000 m
California counties: Butte, Glenn, Lake, Mendocino, Siskiyou, Sonoma, Sutter, Trinity, Del Norte, Plumas
Bloom period
Micranthes fragosa blooms Mar-Jun.
How to tell it apart
vs Saxifraga: Micranthes has all leaves unlobed/entire; Saxifraga has at least some leaves lobed or divided.; vs Romanzoffia: Micranthes has basal rosettes and 2 pistils; Romanzoffia has trailing stems and funnel-shaped flowers.; vs Boykinia: Micranthes has 2 separate pistils forming follicles; Boykinia has 1 pistil forming a capsule.; vs Calyptridium: Micranthes has 2 pistils and 5 petals; Calyptridium has 1 pistil and 2 petals.; vs Verbascum: Micranthes has basal rosettes with small flowers; Verbascum has tall spikes with large fuzzy flowers.
Frequently asked questions
Is Micranthes fragosa native to California?
Yes. Micranthes fragosa is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Micranthes fragosa bloom?
Micranthes fragosa blooms Mar-Jun.
Where in California does Micranthes fragosa grow?
Micranthes fragosa occurs in Butte, Glenn, Lake, Mendocino, Siskiyou, Sonoma, Sutter, Trinity and other counties, at elevations of 500-2000 m.
What plant family does Micranthes fragosa belong to?
Micranthes fragosa is in the Saxifragaceae family, genus Micranthes.
What habitat does Micranthes fragosa grow in?
Micranthes fragosa grows in Moist, rocky slopes and outcrops.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-09-30
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.