This superb example of Carpenteria californica shows how dramatic are the blossoms of this California native plant. The white blossom with its boss of rich yellow stamens look like a single rose. The well groomed evergreen foliage is a plus in all seasons. Carpenteria belongs to the hydrangeacea family and is the sole species in the genus. It is native to the foothills of Fresno and Madera Counties, where it grows along the edges of seasonal creeks. In the wild this plant is found only in seven locations and is on the list of rare and endangered species. This plant was discovered by Major General J. Charles Fremont on one of his four journeys of exploration in the far west of the United States between 1842 and 1848 and was named in honor of Professor William M Carpenter (1811-48), a physician and botanist from Louisiana. In cultivation since 1875, carpenteria first flowered in the British Isles for Gertrude Jekyll at Godalming in 1885. There are now several named varieties, including "Elizabeth" and "Ladham's". A mature plant will have flaky bark on the older stems and may grow to be 4 feet wide and 6 feet tall. It likes a well drained soil and is happiest with light shade and some water in summer. It blooms May to August and is hardy to 10 F. Sunset zones 5-9 and 14-24.