Psorothamnus fremontii var. attenuatus
Narrow-leaved psorothamnus, Narrow-Leaved Psorothamnus
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Family: Fabaceae · Type: Shrub · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 2B.3
Psorothamnus fremontii var. attenuatus (Narrow-leaved psorothamnus) is a native California shrub in the Fabaceae family, recognized by extremely narrow leaflets.
Narrow-leaved psorothamnus is a rare (CNPS 2B.3) California native shrub found in eastern Desert South Coast Ranges on granite and volcanic slopes, flats, and canyons at elevations of 450 to 900 meters. Flowering from April to May, this plant produces small flowers with subtle coloration. Growing with a compact form, the shrub reaches moderate heights with dense, intricate branching. Its leaves feature distinctive thin, linear leaflets typically 5 to 25 millimeters long and less than 1 millimeter wide, creating a delicate, thread-like foliage structure. The shrub's slender, elongated leaflets and adapted desert habitat make it a unique component of arid landscape ecosystems.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 5 sympatric species; extremely narrow leaflets are diagnostic
Habitat and range
Habitat: Granite, volcanic slopes, flats, canyons
Elevation: 450-900 m
Outside California: to southern Nevada, northwestern Arizona
Bloom period
Psorothamnus fremontii var. attenuatus blooms Apr-May.
Conservation status
CNPS 2B.3
How to tell it apart
vs Psorodendron: Psorothamnus has gland-dotted surfaces and indigo-purple flowers; Psorodendron has smooth surfaces and yellow flowers.; vs Astragalus: Psorothamnus has gland-dotted surfaces and single-seeded pods; Astragalus has smooth surfaces and multi-seeded inflated pods.; vs Dalea: Psorothamnus has petals arising from flower base; Dalea has petals arising from a fused stamen column.; vs Condea: Psorothamnus has pea-shaped flowers; Condea has two-lipped tubular flowers (mint family).; vs Scutellaria: Psorothamnus has pea-shaped flowers; Scutellaria has hooded two-lipped flowers (mint family).
Frequently asked questions
Is Psorothamnus fremontii var. attenuatus native to California?
Yes. Psorothamnus fremontii var. attenuatus is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Psorothamnus fremontii var. attenuatus bloom?
Psorothamnus fremontii var. attenuatus blooms Apr-May.
What plant family does Psorothamnus fremontii var. attenuatus belong to?
Psorothamnus fremontii var. attenuatus is in the Fabaceae family, genus Psorothamnus.
Is Psorothamnus fremontii var. attenuatus rare or endangered?
Psorothamnus fremontii var. attenuatus carries California Rare Plant Rank 2B.3, state rank S3.
What habitat does Psorothamnus fremontii var. attenuatus grow in?
Psorothamnus fremontii var. attenuatus grows in Granite, volcanic slopes, flats, canyons.
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.