mat rock spiraea
ExplorePlants
mat rock spiraea
Petrophytum caespitosum
Mat rock spiraea is a small, beautiful shrub that grows in rocky places. Its tiny flowers bloom in clusters, making it a lovely sight in nature.
Habitat: Mountain regions
Appearance
The mat rock spiraea is a low-growing subshrub, forming dense, compact mats with small, oval, sage-green leaves. It produces abundant clusters of tiny, five-petaled white or pale pink flowers, which create a delicate contrast against its harsh, rocky habitat.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderRosalesFamilyRosaceaeGenusPetrophytum
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Despite its small size, some mat rock spiraea plants can live for over 100 years.
Its scientific name, *Petrophytum*, actually means 'rock plant' in Greek!
This amazing plant can grow directly out of cracks in solid rock with almost no soil!
Tiny bees and butterflies visit these tough plants, even on windy mountain cliffs.
Special abilities
Ability
Rock Anchor
Mat rock spiraea has an extensive, deep root system that can penetrate tiny rock crevices, anchoring it securely against strong winds and erosion.
Ability
Extreme Shield
This spiraea grows in a tight, cushion-like form, which helps it withstand severe temperatures and powerful winds on exposed mountain slopes.
Ability
Drought Fighter
It has small, thick, often hairy leaves that are adapted to minimize water loss, allowing the plant to thrive in very dry, rocky environments.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 10-30 cm
- Flower Size
- 0.3-0.5 cm
- Bloom Season
- Summer
- Edible
- No
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Insect
- Cmc
- 30-60 C
Ecological connections
pollinates
European honey bee
Apis mellifera
Visits flowers for nectar.
pollinates
Two-form bumble bee
Bombus bifarius
Active pollinator in alpine areas.
pollinates
Painted Lady butterfly
Vanessa cardui
Sips nectar from blossoms.
Traits
Deciduous
Deciduous plants periodically shed all their leaves, typically during autumn or dry seasons.
Flowering
Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.
Cluster Flower
Cluster flowers are inflorescences where individual flowers are arranged closely together on a common stem.
Shrub
A shrub is a woody plant smaller than a tree, typically with multiple stems branching from or near the ground.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Mountain
This habitat trait identifies species found in mountainous regions, characterized by high elevation, steep slopes, and varying climate zones.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always look but don't touch plants unless you know they are safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is mat rock spiraea?
10-30 cm
How big are the flowers on mat rock spiraea?
0.3-0.5 cm
When does mat rock spiraea bloom?
Summer
Is mat rock spiraea edible?
No
Is mat rock spiraea toxic?
None
What is mat rock spiraea's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is mat rock spiraea pollinated?
Insect
Where is mat rock spiraea usually found?
Mountain regions
Snap Map
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