Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria

View additional distribution information on the Jepson eflora

Rupertia physodes is a species of legume known by the common names California tea and forest scurfpea. It is native to western North America. It is a small perennial bush with deep, woody roots. It bears dull green hairy, slightly hairy, tea-shaped leaves, bunches of light yellow tubular pea flowers, and tiny hairy orange pods containing reddish seeds.

Plant type

Perennial herb

Calscape icon
Color

Yellow, Orange, Green, Red

Special uses

Groundcover

Sun

Deep Shade, Partial Shade

Ease of care

Moderate

Sunset Zones

1, 2, 3, 6*, 7*, 8*, 9*, 10*, 14*, 15*, 16*, 17*, 18, 19, 20*, 21*, 22*, 23*, 24*

Plant communities

Woodland

Caterpillars
Butterflies

Butterflies and moths supported

1 confirmed and 0 likely

Confirmed Likely

Agonopterix posticella