Native Plants

Plant Database

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Bransford, W.D. and Dolphia

Primula suffrutescens

Primula suffrutescens A. Gray

Sierra Primrose

Primulaceae (Primrose Family)

Synonym(s):

USDA Symbol: PRSU

USDA Native Status: L48 (N)

Leafless stalks growing above mats of basal leaf rosettes and topped by 2-9 deep pink to reddish-lavender flowers in an umbel.

This plant is extremely small and often overlooked, but it is one of our handsomest native species.

From the Image Gallery

1 photo(s) available in the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Subshrub
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Breeding System: Flowers Bisexual
Fruit Type: Capsule
Size Notes: Mat-forming, up to about 6 inches tall.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Pink , Yellow , Purple
Bloom Time: Jun , Jul , Aug

Distribution

USA: CA
Native Distribution: Mountains of northern California south through Sierra Nevada.
Native Habitat: Rocky areas at high elevations.

National Wetland Indicator Status

Region:	AGCP	AK	AW	CB	EMP	GP	HI	MW	NCNE	WMVE
Status:			FAC							FAC

This information is derived from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers National Wetland Plant List, Version 3.1 (Lichvar, R.W. 2013. The National Wetland Plant List: 2013 wetland ratings. Phytoneuron 2013-49: 1-241). Click here for map of regions.

Web Reference

Webref 30 - Calflora (2018) Calflora
Webref 38 - Flora of North America (2019) Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO & Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge, MA.
Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter

Additional resources

USDA: Find Primula suffrutescens in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Primula suffrutescens in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Primula suffrutescens

Metadata

Record Modified: 2023-05-03
Research By: TWC Staff

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