Rubus nivalis
Snow dwarf bramble, Snow Dwarf Bramble
(c) Matt Berger, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Rosaceae · Type: Subshrub · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 2B.3
Rubus nivalis (Snow dwarf bramble) is a native California subshrub in the Rosaceae family, recognized by no sympatric species.
Snow dwarf bramble is a rare (CNPS 2B.3) California native perennial found in the northwestern Klamath Ranges of Del Norte County in moist semi-shaded to open areas at elevations of 1,250 meters. Flowering from June to August, this plant produces pink to magenta (occasionally white) flowers 6 to 10 millimeters long, with narrow-elliptic petals. Growing as a prostrate perennial with stems 1 to 2 millimeters in diameter, it spreads by rooting at its nodes and features few to several small, curved prickles. Its leaves are generally simple or slightly 3-lobed, with terminal leaflets that are ovate to heart-shaped, toothed, and having acute to obtuse tips. The fruit is distinctive, developing as small red berries that fall separately from the plant.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Geographically isolated; no sympatric species
Habitat and range
Habitat: Moist semi-shaded to open areas
Elevation: 1250 m
Outside California: to British Columbia, Idaho
Bloom period
Rubus nivalis blooms Jun-Aug.
Conservation status
CNPS 2B.3
How to tell it apart
vs Toxicodendron: Rubus has palmate leaves with 3-5 leaflets spreading from one point; poison oak has 3 leaflets arranged along a stem.; vs Ribes: Rubus stems are thorny or bristly canes; currants/gooseberries are unarmed or have sharp spines at nodes only.; vs Rosa: Rubus leaves are palmate (fingers from palm); rose leaves are pinnate (leaflets along a central stem).; vs Acer: Rubus has compound leaves with separate leaflets; maple leaves are single lobed blades.; vs Fragaria: Rubus grows as tall, arching canes; strawberries form low runners with flower stalks rising from base.
Frequently asked questions
Is Rubus nivalis native to California?
Yes. Rubus nivalis is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Rubus nivalis bloom?
Rubus nivalis blooms Jun-Aug.
What plant family does Rubus nivalis belong to?
Rubus nivalis is in the Rosaceae family, genus Rubus.
Is Rubus nivalis rare or endangered?
Rubus nivalis carries California Rare Plant Rank 2B.3, state rank S1.
What habitat does Rubus nivalis grow in?
Rubus nivalis grows in Moist semi-shaded to open areas.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · 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.