Transberingia bursifolia subsp. virgata
Virgate halimolobos, Virgate Halimolobos
Family: Brassicaceae · Type: Perennial · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 2B.3
Transberingia bursifolia subsp. virgata (Virgate halimolobos) is a native California perennial in the Brassicaceae family, recognized by Genus name refers to Beringian biogeographic connections; disjunct relict distribution.
Virgate halimolobos is a rare (CNPS 2B.3) California native perennial found in the southeastern Sierra Nevada in meadows, near aspen groves, and pinyon/juniper woodland at elevations of 2,000 to 3,700 meters. Flowering from May to July, this plant produces white flowers 2.5 to 4.5 millimeters long with petals about 1 to 1.5 millimeters wide. Growing 1 to 4.5 decimeters tall with branched stems that are stiff-hairy near the base and become glabrous with age, it has a distinctive caudex. Its basal leaves are oblanceolate to obovate, 1.2 to 6.5 centimeters long, while cauline leaves are sessile and strongly sagittate at the base. The plant produces linear siliques 2 to 3.3 centimeters long, containing 70 to 150 small wingless seeds arranged in two rows.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Genus name refers to Beringian biogeographic connections; disjunct relict distribution
Habitat and range
Habitat: Meadows, near aspen groves, pinyon/juniper woodland
Elevation: 2000-3700 m
California counties: Inyo, Mono
Outside California: to western Canada, Colorado
Bloom period
Transberingia bursifolia subsp. virgata blooms May-Jul.
Conservation status
CNPS 2B.3
How to tell it apart
vs Phoenicaulis: Transberingia has cylindrical pods on ascending stalks; Phoenicaulis has flattened pods with fewer seeds.; vs Arabis: Transberingia has cylindrical pods at angles; Arabis has flattened narrow pods pressed erect to stem.; vs Caulanthus: Transberingia has tree-like hairs and pods at angles; Caulanthus has simple hairs and erect pods.; vs Boechera: Transberingia has cylindrical pods at angles; Boechera has flattened pods, often curved or spreading.; vs Turritis: Transberingia pods angle outward on ascending stalks; Turritis pods are pressed flat against the stem.
Frequently asked questions
Is Transberingia bursifolia subsp. virgata native to California?
Yes. Transberingia bursifolia subsp. virgata is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Transberingia bursifolia subsp. virgata bloom?
Transberingia bursifolia subsp. virgata blooms May-Jul.
Where in California does Transberingia bursifolia subsp. virgata grow?
Transberingia bursifolia subsp. virgata occurs in Inyo, Mono, at elevations of 2000-3700 m.
What plant family does Transberingia bursifolia subsp. virgata belong to?
Transberingia bursifolia subsp. virgata is in the Brassicaceae family, genus Transberingia.
Is Transberingia bursifolia subsp. virgata rare or endangered?
Transberingia bursifolia subsp. virgata carries California Rare Plant Rank 2B.3, 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 2026-09-30
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.