Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria

View additional distribution information on the Jepson eflora

Arizona pussypaws (Calyptridium arizonicum) is a low-growing annual wildflower in the Montiaceae (purslane) family with a basal rosette of leaves and clusters of small pink flowers. This desert species is native to Sonoran desert scrub and is more commonly found in southern Arizona and northwestern Mexico.

In California, it is extremely rare and known only from a single canyon in the North Pinyon Mountains of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, where it is threatened by off-road vehicles and possibly foot traffic.

Arizona pussypaws works well in containers or rocky, gravelly garden areas. The basal leaves typically wither as the flowers turn to fruit. It makes a subtle but charming addition to dry, desert-adapted garden spaces.

Plant type

Annual herb

Special uses

Containers