Purshia tridentata
Bitterbrush, Bitterbrush
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Family: Rosaceae · Type: Shrub · Native
Purshia tridentata (Bitterbrush) is a native California shrub in the Rosaceae family, recognized by limited eFlora data for this broad species.
Bitterbrush is a native shrub found in western North American mountain ranges in sagebrush scrub, pinyon-juniper woodland, and conifer forest at elevations of 300 to 2,700 meters. Flowering from April to July, this plant produces white to cream-colored flowers approximately 4 to 8 millimeters long with delicate obovate petals. Growing as a dense, rounded shrub 2 to 4 meters tall with multiple woody stems, it forms complex branching structures that provide important wildlife habitat. Its distinctive leaves have three to five lobes, with the central lobe typically ending in a small spine, giving the plant a unique textured appearance. The fruits are covered in a light, canescent (grayish-white) covering, with a style 5 to 7 millimeters long that adds to its intricate structural character.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Geographically isolated; limited eFlora data for this broad species
Habitat and range
California counties: Mono, Tulare, Inyo, San Bernardino, Alpine, Plumas, Riverside, Siskiyou, Lassen, El Dorado, Placer, Nevada, Sierra, Butte, Modoc, Shasta, Ventura, Los Angeles, Fresno, Mendocino, Trinity
How to tell it apart
vs Baccharis: Purshia has lobed leaves with rolled margins; Baccharis has simple, entire or toothed leaves without lobes.; vs Ceanothus: Purshia leaves have 3-9 narrow lobes at the tip; Ceanothus leaves are simple with small teeth along edges.; vs Ribes: Purshia has wedge-shaped leaves lobed only at the tip; currant leaves are broadly lobed from the base.; vs Adenostoma: Purshia has 3-9 lobed leaves; chamise has needle-like, unlobed leaves clustered on short shoots.; vs Artemisia: Purshia has woody stems and large white flowers; sagebrush has inconspicuous flower heads in spikes.
Frequently asked questions
Is Purshia tridentata native to California?
Yes. Purshia tridentata is native to California (recorded as native).
Where in California does Purshia tridentata grow?
Purshia tridentata occurs in Mono, Tulare, Inyo, San Bernardino, Alpine, Plumas, Riverside, Siskiyou and other counties.
What plant family does Purshia tridentata belong to?
Purshia tridentata is in the Rosaceae family, genus Purshia.
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.