Thelypodium integrifolium subsp. complanatum
Foxtail thelypodium, Foxtail Thelypodium
(c) Amy, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Amy · licence
Family: Brassicaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 2B.2
Thelypodium integrifolium subsp. complanatum (Foxtail thelypodium) is a native California herb in the Brassicaceae family, recognized by purple flowers and short pedicels.
Foxtail thelypodium is a rare (CNPS 2B.2) California native biennial found in the Great Basin in woodland habitats with alkaline or silty soils at elevations of 1,100 to 2,500 meters. Flowering from June to August, this plant produces lavender to purple flowers occasionally tinged with white. Growing with slender stems up to 60 centimeters tall, it develops an erect and branching structure. Its leaves are entire or slightly toothed, with lower leaves more broadly shaped and upper leaves becoming progressively narrower. The fruit develops as a distinctive elongated pod 1.5 to 3 centimeters long, which can be either straight or gently curved.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 7 sympatric species; diagnostic purple flowers and short pedicels
Habitat and range
Habitat: Alkaline or silty soils, woodland
Elevation: 1100-2500 m
California counties: Inyo, Lassen, Mono
Outside California: to Oregon, northwestern Utah
Bloom period
Thelypodium integrifolium subsp. complanatum blooms Jun-Aug.
Conservation status
CNPS 2B.2
How to tell it apart
vs Stanleya: Flower stalks barely visible versus quarter-inch-plus dramatic stalks in Stanleya.; vs Caulanthus: Seed pods sit on distinct stalks above flower base versus sitting directly on base.; vs Brassica: Purple to white flowers with stalked pods versus yellow flowers in Brassica.; vs Boechera: Robust plants with relatively large flowers (6-16mm) versus delicate plants with smaller flowers.; vs Noccaea: Tall stems with purple-white flowers versus low rosette plants with tiny white flowers.
Frequently asked questions
Is Thelypodium integrifolium subsp. complanatum native to California?
Yes. Thelypodium integrifolium subsp. complanatum is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Thelypodium integrifolium subsp. complanatum bloom?
Thelypodium integrifolium subsp. complanatum blooms Jun-Aug.
Where in California does Thelypodium integrifolium subsp. complanatum grow?
Thelypodium integrifolium subsp. complanatum occurs in Inyo, Lassen, Mono, at elevations of 1100-2500 m.
What plant family does Thelypodium integrifolium subsp. complanatum belong to?
Thelypodium integrifolium subsp. complanatum is in the Brassicaceae family, genus Thelypodium.
Is Thelypodium integrifolium subsp. complanatum rare or endangered?
Thelypodium integrifolium subsp. complanatum carries California Rare Plant Rank 2B.2, state rank S2.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CNPS Rare Plant Inventory · Index of California Plant Names · 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.