Taxon Report

Lithophragma maximum Bacig.

San Clemente Island woodland star

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Taxon Summary

Lithophragma maximum, commonly known as San Clemente Island woodland star, is a perennial rhizomatous herb in the Saxifragaceae that is found only in California. It occurs within Coastal bluff scrub, and Coastal scrub, growing at elevations from 120 to 400 meters. Lithophragma maximum is ranked 1B.1, Plants Rare, Threatened or Endangered in California and Elsewhere; Seriously threatened in California.


  Classification

Scientific Name:
Lithophragma maximum Bacig.
Common Name:
San Clemente Island woodland star
Family: Saxifragaceae
Element Code: PDSAX0M070
USDA Plants Symbol: LIMA6
Synonyms/Other Names:

Ecology and Life History

Lifeform: perennial rhizomatous herb
Blooming Period: Apr-Jun Apr-Jun
Elevation: 120-400 (395-1310)
General Habitats: Coastal bluff scrub, Coastal scrub
Microhabitat: Rocky
Microhabitat Details:

Occurrence Data from the CNDDB

Total Occurrences: 6
Element Occurrence Ranks:
   Excellent (A) 0
   Good (B) 0
   Fair (C) 0
   Poor (D) 0
   None (X) 0
   Unknown (U) 6
California Endemic:  True
California Counties and Islands: Name (Code)
Los Angeles (LAX)
Quads: Name (Quad Code)
San Clemente Island Central (3211874)*, San Clemente Island South (3211873)

Threat List Data from the CNDDB

Threat List Total: 1
EOs with Threat Listed: Total EOs % of EOs
1 17 %
Erosion/runoff 1 16%

Notes

Known from fewer than five occurrences, totaling approximately 200 individuals as of 1996. Threatened by erosion. Feral herbivores removed from SCM Isl., and vegetation recovering. See Aliso 5:349-350 (1963) for original description.
Threats:
Taxonomy:
Citation California Native Plant Society, Rare Plant Program. 2025. Rare Plant Inventory (online edition, v9.5.1). Website https://www.rareplants.cnps.org [accessed 29 January 2025].