SafePlants

Common Pussypaws (Cistanthe monandra)

Cistanthe monandra, commonly known as Common Pussypaws or Sandcress, is a small flowering plant belonging to the purslane family.

Considerations for Pets

• This plant is a forb/herb and can be an annual, growing from a taproot.
• The plant has spreading branches and stems.
• The plant has been found in open mountain flats.

Considerations for Children

• This plant is a forb/herb and can be an annual, growing from a taproot.
• The plant has spreading branches and stems.
• The plant has been found in open mountain flats.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Cistanthe monandra (Nutt.) Hershkovitz
• Synonyms: Calyptridium monandrum Nutt.
• Family: Portulacaceae (Purslane Family) or Montiaceae (Miner's Lettuce Family)

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to the western United States.
• Often found in California, including the Santa Cruz Mountains and Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument.
• Grows well on disturbed ground, such as along trails and edges of paths.
• Common on dry, gravelly slopes and open mountain flats.

Morphology and Growth

• Annual herb with a taproot.
• Rosetted, several-stemmed at the base, with spreading branches.
• Can reach up to 22 cm in height.
• Classified as a forb/herb, which is a non-woody plant that isn't a grass.

Quirky Facts

• The stems can be as red as the common name (Pussypaws) would suggest.
• The plant's height is notable in contrast to the length of its leaves.