Physaria kingii subsp. bernardina
San bernardino mountains bladderpod, San Bernardino Mountains Bladderpod
Photo: parent species Physaria kingii · (c) Steve Matson, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Brassicaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.1 · Endangered
Physaria kingii subsp. bernardina (San bernardino mountains bladderpod) is a native California herb in the Brassicaceae family, recognized by no sympatric species.
San bernardino mountains bladderpod is a rare (CNPS 1B.1) California native perennial found in the San Bernardino Mountains in Big Bear Valley, specifically in dry pine forest flats at elevations of 1,850 to 2,400 meters. Flowering from May to June, this plant produces small, distinctive yellow flowers in compact clusters. Growing with upright stems 15 to 30 centimeters tall, it develops a sturdy, compact form characteristic of alpine mountain plants. Its leaves are small, grayish-green, and densely clustered, providing excellent adaptation to its high-elevation habitat. The fruit features rounded, obtuse tips with smooth interior valves, containing 4 to 8 seeds that help ensure the plant's survival in challenging mountain environments.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Geographically isolated; no sympatric species
Habitat and range
Habitat: dry flats, pine forest
Elevation: 1850-2400 m
California counties: San Bernardino
Bloom period
Physaria kingii subsp. bernardina blooms May-Jun.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.1 · Endangered
How to tell it apart
vs Cleomella: Physaria has 4 petals and inflated pods; Cleomella has 4 petals with long stamens extending far beyond and narrow capsules.; vs Draba: Physaria has consistently silvery webbed star-hairs; Draba has mixed simple and branched hairs creating a rougher texture.; vs Astragalus: Physaria has 4 petals and round cross-shaped flowers; Astragalus has pea-like flowers with banner, wings, and keel.; vs Erysimum: Physaria has inflated bladder fruits and silvery foliage; Erysimum has narrow cylindrical pods and green linear leaves.; vs Eriogonum: Physaria has 4-petaled flowers with visible stamens; Eriogonum has tiny flowers in ball-like clusters with papery bracts below.
Frequently asked questions
Is Physaria kingii subsp. bernardina native to California?
Yes. Physaria kingii subsp. bernardina is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Physaria kingii subsp. bernardina bloom?
Physaria kingii subsp. bernardina blooms May-Jun.
Where in California does Physaria kingii subsp. bernardina grow?
Physaria kingii subsp. bernardina occurs in San Bernardino, at elevations of 1850-2400 m.
What plant family does Physaria kingii subsp. bernardina belong to?
Physaria kingii subsp. bernardina is in the Brassicaceae family, genus Physaria.
Is Physaria kingii subsp. bernardina rare or endangered?
Physaria kingii subsp. bernardina carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.1, state rank S1.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CNPS Rare Plant Inventory · Index of California Plant Names · 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.