Potentilla cristae
Crested potentilla
(c) Steve Matson, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Rosaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.3
Potentilla cristae (Crested potentilla) is a native California herb in the Rosaceae family, recognized by . Highly dissected 3-leaflet leaves and crested fruits.
Crested potentilla is a rare (CNPS 1B.3) California native perennial found in the Klamath Ranges on seasonally moist, serpentine-like gravels and talus at elevations of 1,800 to 2,800 meters. Flowering from June to September, this plant produces white flowers approximately 3 to 5.5 millimeters long in small clusters generally fewer than 7 blossoms. Growing with loosely matted, glandular stems 5 to 20 centimeters tall and spreading hairs, it forms a distinctive branched caudex. Its ternate leaves have three leaflets, with the central leaflet 5 to 20 millimeters long, roughly round and deeply divided into 3 to 5 secondary lobes with toothed edges. The fruit is small, light brown, and distinctively crested, measuring 1 to 1.5 millimeters long.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 6 sympatric species. Highly dissected 3-leaflet leaves and crested fruits are diagnostic.
Habitat and range
Habitat: Seasonally moist, often serpentine-like gravels, talus
Elevation: 1800-2800 m
California counties: Siskiyou, Trinity
Bloom period
Potentilla cristae blooms Jun-Sep.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.3
How to tell it apart
vs Drymocallis: Potentilla styles stay thread-thin throughout; Drymocallis styles are swollen in the middle like tiny clubs.; vs Fragaria: Potentilla typically has 5+ leaflets; Fragaria has three leaflets.; vs Argentina: Potentilla leaves are green on both sides; Argentina leaves are silvery-white beneath.; vs Ranunculus: Potentilla has compound leaves with distinct leaflets; Ranunculus typically has lobed or divided leaves.; vs Rubus: Potentilla is herbaceous with dry seed clusters; Rubus is woody-stemmed with compound berry fruits.
Frequently asked questions
Is Potentilla cristae native to California?
Yes. Potentilla cristae is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Potentilla cristae bloom?
Potentilla cristae blooms Jun-Sep.
Where in California does Potentilla cristae grow?
Potentilla cristae occurs in Siskiyou, Trinity, at elevations of 1800-2800 m.
What plant family does Potentilla cristae belong to?
Potentilla cristae is in the Rosaceae family, genus Potentilla.
Is Potentilla cristae rare or endangered?
Potentilla cristae carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.3, state rank S2.
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.