Micranthes integrifolia
Smooth leaf saxifrage
(c) Urgamal Magsar, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Saxifragaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Micranthes integrifolia (Smooth leaf saxifrage) is a native California herb in the Saxifragaceae family, recognized by head-like clusters and smooth leaves diagnostic.
Smooth leaf saxifrage is a California native perennial found in the Klamath Ranges, northern coastal ranges, interior coastal ranges, far northern California, and Sacramento Valley in vernally moist meadows at elevations of 100 to 1,700 meters. Flowering from March to June, this plant produces small white flowers in dense head-like clusters with delicate, obovate petals 2 to 4 millimeters long. Growing 12 to 35 centimeters tall with a short rhizomatous caudex that occasionally produces bulblets, it has an upright, compact growth habit. Its leaves are approximately ovate, 2 to 7 centimeters long with petioles 0.5 to 4 centimeters, featuring bases that taper and edges that are entire or minutely toothed. The plant develops two follicles as fruit, with densely glandular flower stems adding to its distinctive appearance.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 11 sympatric species; head-like clusters and smooth leaves diagnostic
Habitat and range
Habitat: Uncommon. Vernally moist meadows
Elevation: 100-1700 m
California counties: Tulare, Modoc, Trinity, Butte, Shasta, Tehama, Plumas, Lassen, El Dorado, Fresno, Sierra, Placer, Mendocino, Amador
Outside California: to British Columbia, Idaho, Nevada
Bloom period
Micranthes integrifolia 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 integrifolia native to California?
Yes. Micranthes integrifolia is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Micranthes integrifolia bloom?
Micranthes integrifolia blooms Mar-Jun.
Where in California does Micranthes integrifolia grow?
Micranthes integrifolia occurs in Tulare, Modoc, Trinity, Butte, Shasta, Tehama, Plumas, Lassen and other counties, at elevations of 100-1700 m.
What plant family does Micranthes integrifolia belong to?
Micranthes integrifolia is in the Saxifragaceae family, genus Micranthes.
What habitat does Micranthes integrifolia grow in?
Micranthes integrifolia grows in Uncommon. Vernally moist meadows.
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.