SafePlants

Crossosoma bigelovii: Ragged Rockflower

Crossosoma bigelovii, commonly known as Ragged Rockflower, is a captivating desert shrub found in the arid landscapes of North America. Its unique features and resilience make it a fascinating subject for plant enthusiasts.

Considerations for Pets

• The text mentions the plant being "dense often spinescent" which indicates the possibility of sharp points or thorns.
• It is a "much-branched, spreading desert shrub, with rigid, spiny branchlets."

Considerations for Children

• The text mentions the plant being "dense often spinescent" which indicates the possibility of sharp points or thorns.
• It is a "much-branched, spreading desert shrub, with rigid, spiny branchlets."

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Crossosoma bigelovii S. Watson
• Common Names: Ragged Rockflower, Bigelow's crossosoma, Bigelow's ragged rock flower, Rock crossosoma, Rhyolitebush.
• Family: Crossosomataceae
• Rank: Species

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts of North America.
• Specifically found in Southern California, Northern Mexico, Arizona, and Southern Nevada.
• Grows in dry, rocky slopes and canyons, often in rock crevices.
• Observed at elevations ranging from 1500 to 4000 feet.

Morphological Characteristics

• A shrub typically growing to 1-2 meters (3-6 feet) in height.
• Described as a "straggling woody tangle of pale gray branches."
• Leaves: lanceolate, elliptic, oblanceolate or circular, 5-15 mm long, with an apex ranging from rounded to acute. Bluish green in color.
• Often spinescent (having thorns or prickles).
• Inflorescence bears a single flower.
• Flowers are white to tinged purplish.

Quirky Facts

• The genus name Crossosoma comes from a Greek word meaning "fringe body" referring to the fringed, conspicuous aril.
• Known for its citrus-fragranced spring flowers.

Ecological Role

• Prefers rocky canyons and slopes.
• An early spring bloomer.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Its flowers attract pollinators, including hummingbirds.

Further Information

• Discover Life: Provides information on the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Crossosoma bigelovii.
• Encyclopedia of Life: Offers articles and information about Crossosoma bigelovii.
• CalPhotos: Contains photographs of Crossosoma bigelovii.