Scopulophila rixfordii
Rixford rockwort, Rixford Rockwort
(c) Martin Purdy, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Martin Purdy · licence
Family: Caryophyllaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Scopulophila rixfordii (Rixford rockwort) is a native California herb in the Caryophyllaceae family, recognized by Scopulophila is a small genus adapted specifically to limestone substrates in the southwestern deserts.
Rixford rockwort is a California native perennial found in the eastern Sierra Nevada, northern Mojave Desert, and southern Desert regions on limestone outcrops at elevations of 1,200 to 1,550 meters. Flowering from April to July, this plant produces small white-margined green flowers around 2 to 4 millimeters long with distinctive green hypanthiums that brown with age. Growing with multiple branched stems 10 to 30 centimeters tall, the plant has a unique growth pattern with a densely woolly base and glabrous upper portions. Its leaves are slightly fleshy, measuring 8 to 25 millimeters long, with a compact and succulent appearance. The seeds are tiny, approximately 1 millimeter long, ovoid, and marked with a distinctive red dot near the narrow end.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Scopulophila is a small genus adapted specifically to limestone substrates in the southwestern deserts
Habitat and range
Habitat: Uncommon. Limestone outcrops
Elevation: 1200-1550 m
California counties: Inyo, San Bernardino
Outside California: western Nevada, western Arizona
Bloom period
Scopulophila rixfordii blooms Apr-Jul.
How to tell it apart
vs Paronychia: Scopulophila has densely woolly base cushion; Paronychia lacks woolly base.; vs Cardionema: Scopulophila is limestone specialist with erect stems; Cardionema is coastal sand mat.; vs Herniaria: Scopulophila is woolly-based perennial on limestone; Herniaria is annual mat in disturbed areas.; vs Achyronychia: Scopulophila has 5 petal-like staminodes; Achyronychia has 14-19 thread-like staminodes.; vs Scleranthus: Scopulophila has woolly base cushion; Scleranthus is tiny delicate annual.
Frequently asked questions
Is Scopulophila rixfordii native to California?
Yes. Scopulophila rixfordii is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Scopulophila rixfordii bloom?
Scopulophila rixfordii blooms Apr-Jul.
Where in California does Scopulophila rixfordii grow?
Scopulophila rixfordii occurs in Inyo, San Bernardino, at elevations of 1200-1550 m.
What plant family does Scopulophila rixfordii belong to?
Scopulophila rixfordii is in the Caryophyllaceae family, genus Scopulophila.
What habitat does Scopulophila rixfordii grow in?
Scopulophila rixfordii grows in Uncommon. Limestone outcrops.
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.