Thysanocarpus curvipes subsp. amplectens
Photo: parent species Thysanocarpus curvipes · Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Brassicaceae · Type: Annual · Native
Thysanocarpus curvipes subsp. amplectens is a native California annual in the Brassicaceae family, recognized by glabrous stems and smaller rayed fruits.
Spreading rockcress is a California native annual found in southwestern desert and desert mountain regions in slopes, washes, moist meadows, woodlands, and streambank habitats at elevations below 2,500 meters. Its delicate white to pale lavender flowers appear in small clusters during spring. Growing with slender, glabrous stems reaching 10 to 30 centimeters tall, the plant has an upright and somewhat branching form. Its leaves are small and elongated, typically arranged alternately along the stem with lower leaves often wider and more rounded. The distinctive fruit features a unique wing with spoon-shaped lobes, creating an intricate silhouette less than 6 millimeters wide.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 6 sympatric species; distinguished by glabrous stems and smaller rayed fruits
Habitat and range
Habitat: Slopes, washes, moist meadows, woodland, streambanks
Elevation: < 2500 m
Outside California: southern Arizona, southwestern New Mexico, Mexico (northern Sonora)
How to tell it apart
vs Lepidium: Fruits hang downward like lanterns versus standing upright in Lepidium.; vs Athysanus: Fruits have distinctive papery wings with radiating veins versus wingless tiny fruits.; vs Capsella: Fruits are round with lacy wings versus triangular heart-shaped pods.; vs Briza: Mustard with flat winged fruits versus grass with dangling spikelets.; vs Eriogonum: Annual mustard with winged hanging fruits versus buckwheat with ball-like flower clusters.
Frequently asked questions
Is Thysanocarpus curvipes subsp. amplectens native to California?
Yes. Thysanocarpus curvipes subsp. amplectens is native to California (recorded as native).
What plant family does Thysanocarpus curvipes subsp. amplectens belong to?
Thysanocarpus curvipes subsp. amplectens is in the Brassicaceae family, genus Thysanocarpus.
What habitat does Thysanocarpus curvipes subsp. amplectens grow in?
Thysanocarpus curvipes subsp. amplectens grows in Slopes, washes, moist meadows, woodland, streambanks.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-09-30
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.