Petalonyx nitidus
Shiny leaf sandpaper plant
Family: Loasaceae · Type: shrub · Native
Shiny leaf sandpaper plant is a California native shrub found in western Inyo, Death Mountains, and western Death Mojave bioregions in sandy washes, rocky canyons, creosote-bush scrub, and pinyon/juniper woodland at elevations of 725 to 2,100 meters. Flowering from May to July, this plant produces cream-colored flowers with petals 5 to 11 millimeters long, featuring distinctive exserted stamens. Growing 15 to 45 centimeters tall with an upright form, it develops a compact and structured appearance. Its leaves are generally ovate, 15 to 40 millimeters long, with serrated edges and a pointed tip that tapers widely toward the base. The plant's intricate flower structure includes narrow bracts and well-extended stamens, creating a delicate and distinctive botanical profile.
Habitat: Sandy washes or rocky canyons, creosote-bush scrub, Joshua-tree woodland, pinyon/juniper woodland
Bloom period: May-Jul
Elevation: 725-2100 m
Bioregions: W&I, DMtns, w DMoj
California counties: San Bernardino, Kern, Inyo, Mono, Nevada
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Jepson eFlora, Cal-IPC, and more.