Streptanthus hispidus A.Gray

Growth Form and Size

Streptanthus hispidus is a bristly annual herb that reaches up to 30 centimeters in height.

Inflorescence Structure

Its flowers are arranged in a raceme, where the uppermost flowers are often sterile and differ in form from fertile flowers.

Calyx Characteristics

The bristly, bell-shaped calyx made of sepals is greenish brown in fertile flowers and purple in sterile flowers.

Fertile Flower Petals

Fertile flowers have four light purple petals that grow up to one centimeter long.

Fruit Traits

The fruit is a bristly silique that can reach up to 8 centimeters in length.

Geographic Range

This plant is endemic to Contra Costa County, California, where it is found in fewer than 15 occurrences on and around Mount Diablo.

Habitat

It grows on rocky outcrops in grassland and chaparral habitats.

Threats

It is threatened by habitat degradation, including trampling by hikers and destruction during maintenance activities.