Plant Data

Names and Taxonomy

  • Common Names: Mat Rock Spiraea, Mat Rockspirea, Rocky Mountain Rockmat, Dwarf Spiraea, Petrophytum, Tufted Rockmat
  • Synonyms: Petrophytum caespitosum, orth. var. Petrophyton caespitosum
  • Family: Rosaceae (Rose)
  • Genus Information:

Habit and Size

  • Duration: perennial
  • Habit: forb
  • Shape: spreading
  • Size: up to 4 inches
  • Stem:

Leaves

  • Color: green
  • Shape:
  • Edge:
  • Arrangement:
  • Leaf Retention:

Flowers and Fruit

  • Sex: monoecious
  • Flower Color: white
  • Flower Size:
  • Number of Petals:
  • Bloom: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
  • Fruit: Aggregated follicles

Habitat and Growing Conditions

  • Water Use: low
  • Light: full sun
  • Soil:
  • Habitat: Granite or limestone rock crevices from foothills to alpine summits

Distribution

  • Distribution: AZ, CA, CO, ID, MT, NM, NV, OR, SD, TX, UT, WY
  • Seen:
  • Elevation: 3,130 to 10,378 ft (100-3500 m)

Photographs

Mat Rock Spiraea (Petrophytum caespitosum)

Mount Charleston

Mat Rock Spiraea (Petrophytum caespitosum)

Mount Charleston