Rare Plants
Fighting extinction, building understanding

Since its inception in 1968, the CNPS Rare Plant Program has been a trusted resource for scientific accuracy and integrity. CNPS rare plant data are widely accepted as the standard for information on the rarity and endangerment status of the California flora. Today, we’re using these data to fight extinction, engage citizen scientists, and inform land use decisions statewide. Support CNPS plant science today!
Rare Plant Inventory
First published in 1974, the Inventory is a widely-accepted authoritative resource on California’s rare and endangered plants. Now in its 8th edition online, it continues to play an important role in scientific research, conservation planning, and the effective enforcement of environmental laws. Learn more about the Inventory or access it now.
California Rare Plant Ranks
Areas of Focus
Rare Plant Ranking & Review
Get details on the CNPS ranking categories and how plants are assigned each rank.
Locally Rare Plants
These species are critical to the preservation of regional genetic diversity. Here’s what you should know.
Rare Plant Treasure Hunts
Professionals and community scientists working to monitor and track our most vulnerable species.
Recent Stories
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The CNPS California Oak Watch project focuses on collecting valuable data about oaks native to the California Floristic Province. To protect them, we need to know where they are, and with the help of people in our community, we can map them!
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Four Rare Plants Protected From Mining in Southern California National Forest
The U.S. Bureau of Land Management has banned new mining for 50 years on 2,841 acres in the San Bernardino National Forest to protect critical habitat for four threatened and endangered plant species. -
California Permanently Protects Imperiled Wildflower Threatened by Gold Mining
The Inyo rock daisy is a rare wildflower found only at the highest elevations of the southern Inyo Mountains. It lives on ancient carbonate bedrock on Conglomerate Mesa, which is threatened by gold mining.