Pholisma arenarium
Desert christmas tree
(c) Lynn Sweet, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Lynn Sweet · licence
Family: Lennoaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Pholisma arenarium (Desert christmas tree) is a native California herb in the Lennoaceae family, recognized by (P. sonorae). Key differences: elevation range, stem dimensions, corolla pubescence.
Desert christmas tree is a California native perennial found in the central Coast, southern Coast, Peninsular Ranges, and desert regions in sandy coastal dunes, chaparral, and desert habitats at elevations below 1,900 meters. Flowering from April to July and again in October, this plant produces lavender to blue-purple flowers with white margins, creating a delicate color gradient. Growing with robust stems 30 to 80 centimeters tall and 1 to 2 centimeters in diameter, it forms a distinctive structural presence in its arid environments. Its flowers feature linear to spoon-shaped calyx lobes with intricate puberulent surfaces, adding textural complexity to its elegant blooms. The plant's unique morphology includes 10 to 20 distinct ovary chambers, reflecting its specialized botanical adaptation to harsh desert conditions.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 1 sympatric species (P. sonorae). Key differences: elevation range, stem dimensions, corolla pubescence
Habitat and range
Habitat: Uncommon. Sandy soil, coastal dunes, chaparral, desert
Elevation: < 1900 m
California counties: Kern, San Bernardino, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Luis Obispo, Imperial, San Diego, Inyo, Santa Barbara
Outside California: western Arizona, northwestern Mexico
Bloom period
Pholisma arenarium blooms Apr-Jul, Oct.
How to tell it apart
vs Aphyllon: Aphyllon has tubular flowers on naked stalks; Pholisma has dense scale-covered mounds or shoots.; vs Cuscuta: Cuscuta forms orange thread-like tangles on other plants; Pholisma stands upright from the ground as thick fleshy stems.
Frequently asked questions
Is Pholisma arenarium native to California?
Yes. Pholisma arenarium is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Pholisma arenarium bloom?
Pholisma arenarium blooms Apr-Jul, Oct.
Where in California does Pholisma arenarium grow?
Pholisma arenarium occurs in Kern, San Bernardino, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Luis Obispo, Imperial, San Diego, Inyo and other counties, at elevations of < 1900 m.
What plant family does Pholisma arenarium belong to?
Pholisma arenarium is in the Lennoaceae family, genus Pholisma.
What habitat does Pholisma arenarium grow in?
Pholisma arenarium grows in Uncommon. Sandy soil, coastal dunes, chaparral, desert.
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.