Streptanthus tortuosus var. pallidus
Pallid jewelflower
(c) Don Loarie, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Don Loarie · licence
Family: Brassicaceae · Type: Subshrub · Native
Streptanthus tortuosus var. pallidus (Pallid jewelflower) is a native California subshrub in the Brassicaceae family, recognized by glaucous leaves and round bracts.
Pallid jewelflower is a California native perennial found in lower montane conifer forest and chaparral in rocky areas at elevations of 426 to 762 meters. Flowering from May to June, this plant produces pale yellow flowers with white petals 10.5 to 15.6 millimeters long, often appearing delicate against reddish-glaucous foliage. Growing with simple or branched stems 23 to 110 centimeters tall emerging from a woody caudex, it develops a distinctive form with strongly glaucous leaves. Its basal leaves are broadly spoon-shaped and 1.8 to 6.2 centimeters long, while mid-cauline leaves are oblong to round with toothed edges. The fruits are especially notable, spreading and arched downward, measuring 6.2 to 10.8 centimeters in length with seeds ranging from 44 to 108 per plant.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 42 sympatric species; key features are glaucous leaves and round bracts
Habitat and range
Habitat: Rocky bluffs, rock outcrops, roadcuts, in lower montane conifer forest, chaparral
Elevation: 426-762 m
Bloom period
Streptanthus tortuosus var. pallidus blooms (Apr)May-Jun.
How to tell it apart
vs Caulanthus: Seed pods are flattened like sword blades versus cylindrical tubes in Caulanthus.; vs Boechera: Robust plants often over 2.5 feet with large flowers (sepals 4-8mm) versus more delicate habit.; vs Claytonia: Mustard family with 4 petals and 6 stamens versus Claytonia with 5 petals.; vs Silene: Mustard family with seed pods versus Silene with inflated capsules and opposite leaves.; vs Lonicera: Herbaceous mustard with alternate leaves versus woody vine with opposite leaves.
Frequently asked questions
Is Streptanthus tortuosus var. pallidus native to California?
Yes. Streptanthus tortuosus var. pallidus is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Streptanthus tortuosus var. pallidus bloom?
Streptanthus tortuosus var. pallidus blooms (Apr)May-Jun.
What plant family does Streptanthus tortuosus var. pallidus belong to?
Streptanthus tortuosus var. pallidus is in the Brassicaceae family, genus Streptanthus.
What habitat does Streptanthus tortuosus var. pallidus grow in?
Streptanthus tortuosus var. pallidus grows in Rocky bluffs, rock outcrops, roadcuts, in lower montane conifer forest, chaparral.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
- Streptanthus tortuosus var. tortuosus — Mountain jewelflower
- Streptanthus vernalis — Early jewelflower
- Streptanthus vimineus — Slender jewelflower
- Streptanthus albidus ssp. peramoenus — most beautiful jewelflower
- Streptanthus anomalus — Mount burdell jewelflower
- Streptanthus barbatus — Pacific jewelflower
- Strigosella africana — African mustard
Sources: Jepson eFlora · 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.