California rockflower
Crossosoma californicum
Last reviewed: October 2026
California rockflower (Crossosoma californicum) is a perennial shrub native to CA. It blooms in February, March, and April. The flowers draw native bees.
Toxicity unknown
California rockflower (Crossosoma californicum) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
48"–96" H × 48"–72" W
Bloom
Feb, Mar, Apr
Native to
CA
Pollinators
native bees
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 460 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
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Browse plants for this ecoregion
This is a rare evergreen shrub with slender arching branches, small leaves, and showy white flowers in early spring. It grows on rocky coastal bluffs in a very limited native range.
Growing California rockflower
Grow California rockflower in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 48 to 96 inches tall and spread 48 to 72 inches wide.
Wildlife value
The flowers are visited by native bees, and the shrub's rarity makes any planted individual a meaningful contribution to conserving the species outside its native cliffs.
Common questions
- How much sun does California rockflower need?
- California rockflower grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does California rockflower bloom?
- California rockflower blooms in February, March, and April.
- Where is California rockflower native?
- California rockflower (Crossosoma californicum) is native to CA, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does California rockflower attract?
- California rockflower draws native bees.
Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow California rockflower? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.