Streptanthus tortuosus var. pallidus

Pallid jewelflower

Family: Brassicaceae · Type: perennial · Native

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.

Habitat: Rocky bluffs, rock outcrops, roadcuts, in lower montane conifer forest, chaparral

Bloom period: (Apr)May-Jun

Elevation: 426-762 m

Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Jepson eFlora, Cal-IPC, and more.