Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria

View additional distribution information on the Jepson eflora

Primula suffrutescens is a species of primrose known by the common name Sierra primrose. Primula suffrutescens is a subshrub growing from a sturdy anchoring rhizome. It has a matlike form with a thick, woody base covered in the dried remnants of previous seasons' herbage. The green leaves occur in several rosettes on the woody base. The hairless leaves are spoon-shaped with jagged, toothed tips and measure up to 3. 5 centimeters long. It is endemic to California, where it grows in the high mountains of the Sierra Nevada and Klamath Ranges. It grows in rock cracks, blooming in July and August. Primula suffrutescens is a subshrub growing from a sturdy anchoring rhizome. It has a matlike form with a thick, woody base covered in the dried remnants of previous seasons' herbage. The green leaves occur in several rosettes on the woody base. The hairless leaves are spoon-shaped with jagged, toothed tips and measure up to 3. 5 centimeters long. From the rosettes arise inflorescences on peduncles up to 12 centimeters tall. The showy inflorescence is an umbel of several flowers with tubular yellow throats and flat magenta corollas with five jagged or notch-tipped lobes. The fruit is a capsule. Distribution and habitat. It is endemic to California, where it grows in the high mountains of the Sierra Nevada and Klamath Ranges. It grows in rock cracks, blooming in July and August.

Plant type

Perennial herb

Size

4 - 8 in Tall

Plant communities

Alpine Fell-Fields, Subalpine Forest, Wetland-Riparian

Caterpillars
Butterflies

Butterflies and moths supported

0 confirmed and 1 likely

Confirmed Likely

Spotted Cut-Worm

Xestia c-nigrum