Ornithostaphylos oppositifolia
Baja california birdbush, Baja California Birdbush
(c) Alan Rockefeller, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Alan Rockefeller · licence
Family: Ericaceae · Type: Shrub · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 2B.1
Ornithostaphylos oppositifolia (Baja california birdbush) is a native California shrub in the Ericaceae family, recognized by Northern range edge of a primarily Baja California genus, extremely restricted in CA.
Baja california birdbush is a rare (CNPS 2B.1) California native shrub found in San Diego County in chaparral at elevations of 100 to 800 meters. Flowering from January to April, this plant produces white, spheric to urn-shaped flowers in clustered panicles. Growing as a rigidly branched shrub less than 2 meters tall with thin bark, it develops a distinctive burled base. Its leathery, evergreen leaves are opposite or whorled, measuring 2.5 to 8 centimeters long and 3 to 6 millimeters wide, with margins rolled tightly under. The fruit develops as a drupe with five fused stones, typically containing two seeds per stone.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Northern range edge of a primarily Baja California genus, extremely restricted in CA
Habitat and range
Habitat: Chaparral
Elevation: 100-800 m
Outside California: northern Baja California
Bloom period
Ornithostaphylos oppositifolia blooms Jan-Apr.
Conservation status
CNPS 2B.1
How to tell it apart
vs Xylococcus: Ornithostaphylos has opposite/whorled narrow leaves; Xylococcus has alternate broad leaves with rolled margins.; vs Arctostaphylos: Ornithostaphylos leaves are opposite/whorled and linear; Arctostaphylos leaves are alternate and broad.; vs Comarostaphylis: Ornithostaphylos has opposite/whorled linear leaves; Comarostaphylis has alternate holly-like leaves.; vs Arbutus: Ornithostaphylos is a shrub with opposite linear leaves; Arbutus is a tree with alternate broad leaves.
Frequently asked questions
Is Ornithostaphylos oppositifolia native to California?
Yes. Ornithostaphylos oppositifolia is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Ornithostaphylos oppositifolia bloom?
Ornithostaphylos oppositifolia blooms Jan-Apr.
What plant family does Ornithostaphylos oppositifolia belong to?
Ornithostaphylos oppositifolia is in the Ericaceae family, genus Ornithostaphylos.
Is Ornithostaphylos oppositifolia rare or endangered?
Ornithostaphylos oppositifolia carries California Rare Plant Rank 2B.1, state rank S1.
What habitat does Ornithostaphylos oppositifolia grow in?
Ornithostaphylos oppositifolia grows in 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.