Tuberaria guttata
European frostweed
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Family: Cistaceae · Type: Herb · Not Native
Tuberaria guttata (European frostweed) is a non-native California herb in the Cistaceae family, recognized by Introduced European species; family Cistaceae poorly represented in California.
European frostweed is a naturalized perennial found in northern and central Sierra Nevada foothills and eastern edge of Sacramento Valley in disturbed places at elevations of 80 to 150 meters. Flowering from April to May, this plant produces delicate yellow flowers with distinctive red to purple markings near the base of the petals, approximately 7 to 10 millimeters long. Growing with slender stems 5 to 40 centimeters tall, it displays a low, spreading habit. Its leaves are linear and relatively narrow, measuring 1 to 6 centimeters long, with margins that are slightly rolled under or flat. The plant forms delicate, sparse colonies in open, disturbed ground with a distinctive pale yellow and reddish-purple floral display.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Introduced European species; family Cistaceae poorly represented in California
Habitat and range
Habitat: Uncommon. Disturbed places
Elevation: 80-150 m
California counties: Amador, Butte, Calaveras, Tuolumne, Sacramento
Outside California: native to Europe, northern Africa
Bloom period
Tuberaria guttata blooms Apr-May.
How to tell it apart
vs Cistus: Cistus is a large woody shrub; Tuberaria is a delicate annual herb.; vs Crocanthemum: Tuberaria is annual with basal rosette and no style; Crocanthemum is perennial with woody stems and visible style.; vs Plantago: Plantago has tiny greenish flowers in dense spikes; Tuberaria has showy yellow 5-petaled flowers.; vs Mimulus: Mimulus has tubular 2-lipped flowers; Tuberaria has flat 5-petaled flowers with separate petals.; vs Bacopa: Bacopa has tiny white/blue flowers; Tuberaria has showy yellow flowers and 3-parted (not 2-parted) capsules.
Frequently asked questions
Is Tuberaria guttata native to California?
No. Tuberaria guttata is not native to California (recorded as not native).
When does Tuberaria guttata bloom?
Tuberaria guttata blooms Apr-May.
Where in California does Tuberaria guttata grow?
Tuberaria guttata occurs in Amador, Butte, Calaveras, Tuolumne, Sacramento, at elevations of 80-150 m.
What plant family does Tuberaria guttata belong to?
Tuberaria guttata is in the Cistaceae family, genus Tuberaria.
What habitat does Tuberaria guttata grow in?
Tuberaria guttata grows in Uncommon. Disturbed places.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · 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.