Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria

View additional distribution information on the Jepson eflora

Crocanthemum scoparium is a species in the Cistaceae (Rockrose) family which is endemic to California. There may be some taxonomic confusion about this species, and some sources include it in the genus Helianthemum. Its common names include Peak Rockrose and Peak Rushrose. There are two recognized varieties, both uncommon. This is a small perennial shrub bearing long, smooth stems and small flowers each with five bright yellow petals. It is found in dry, sandy areas in hills and low mountains primarily along the coast from the Bay Area southward, with a concentration in San Diego County. It should be noted that there are many non-native varieties of Cistus that are commonly available in nurseries; almost all are commonly called Rock Rose or Sun Rose.

Plant type

Shrub

Size

2 ft Tall
2 ft Wide

Dormancy

Summer Semi-deciduous

Calscape icon
Color

Yellow

Sun

Full Sun

Water

Very Low

Summer irrigation

Max 1x / month once established

Ease of care

Moderate

Cold tolerance

Tolerates cold to 5° F

Soil drainage

Fast, Medium

Soil description

Tolerates a variety of soils. Tolerates serpentine soil..
Soil PH: 5.0 - 7.0

Propagation

For propagating by seed: No treatment; oven heat of 248°F for 5 mins. before sowing nearly doubles germination (Keeley and Keeley 1982).

Site type

Dry, sandy, rocky slopes and ridges

Plant communities

Chaparral, Closed-cone Pine Forest, Coastal Sage Scrub, Northern Coastal Scrub

Can be used with a wide variety of plants requiring full sun and relatively dry conditions, including Manzanita (Arctostaphylos spp.), Ceanothus spp., Sage (Salvia spp.), Yucca (Hesperoyucca whipplei or Yucca shidigera) and various cactus species.

Caterpillars
Butterflies

Butterflies and moths supported

0 confirmed and 1 likely

Confirmed Likely

Common Gray

Anavitrinella pampinaria