Petrophytum caespitosum subsp. caespitosum
Photo: parent species Petrophytum caespitosum · (c) Roberto Daniel Avila, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Rosaceae · Type: Subshrub · Native
Petrophytum caespitosum subsp. caespitosum is a native California subshrub in the Rosaceae family.
Rock spirea is a California native shrub found in the White and Inyo Mountains and desert mountains in limestone ledges and pinyon-juniper woodland at elevations of 1,350 to 3,050 meters. Flowering from May to September, this plant produces small white flowers in dense, compact clusters. Growing as a low, spreading cushion-like shrub with multiple woody stems, it forms tight mats across rocky terrain. Its small leaves are closely packed, thick and somewhat leathery, providing a dense texture to the plant's overall form. The plant extends its range into the Rocky Mountains, highlighting its adaptation to harsh, rocky high-elevation environments.
Habitat and range
Habitat: Limestone ledges, rocks, often in pinyon/juniper woodland
Elevation: 1350-3050 m
California counties: Inyo, San Bernardino, Mono
Outside California: to Rocky Mountains
Bloom period
Petrophytum caespitosum subsp. caespitosum blooms May-Sep.
Frequently asked questions
Is Petrophytum caespitosum subsp. caespitosum native to California?
Yes. Petrophytum caespitosum subsp. caespitosum is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Petrophytum caespitosum subsp. caespitosum bloom?
Petrophytum caespitosum subsp. caespitosum blooms May-Sep.
Where in California does Petrophytum caespitosum subsp. caespitosum grow?
Petrophytum caespitosum subsp. caespitosum occurs in Inyo, San Bernardino, Mono, at elevations of 1350-3050 m.
What plant family does Petrophytum caespitosum subsp. caespitosum belong to?
Petrophytum caespitosum subsp. caespitosum is in the Rosaceae family, genus Petrophytum.
What habitat does Petrophytum caespitosum subsp. caespitosum grow in?
Petrophytum caespitosum subsp. caespitosum grows in Limestone ledges, rocks, often in pinyon/juniper woodland.
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.