Rock jasmine
Androsace, family Primulaceae
A cushion-forming alpine flower with white or pink blooms
Rock jasmine is a genus of small, mat-forming plants in the primrose family. Native to high mountain regions across Asia and Europe, it produces dense rosettes of leaves topped by clusters of white or pink flowers.
- Grows as dense, ground-hugging cushions in high mountains
- Includes over 160 species after taxonomic revisions
- Originated in the Himalayas about 35 million years ago
- Several garden varieties hold horticultural awards
- Leaves form basal rosettes; flowers are white or pink
What does Rock jasmine look like?
Rock jasmine forms tight, low-growing mats made of small leaves arranged in rosettes at the base. In bloom, it sends up short stems bearing clusters of tiny white or pink flowers. Some cultivated types have lilac or mauve tones.
Where does Rock jasmine come from?
This genus likely began in the Himalayas around 35 million years ago as an annual plant. Over time, it spread into mountain ranges across central Asia, the Caucasus, and Europe. Modern studies show related genera like Douglasia are now part of Androsace.
When and how Rock jasmine blooms
These evergreen perennials grow slowly into dense cushions suited to rocky, well-drained sites. They thrive in cool, high-altitude climates and are often grown in rock gardens for their neat form and delicate flowers.
How Rock jasmine is used
Gardeners value rock jasmine for its compact shape and floral display. Several kinds are grown ornamentally, especially in alpine or rock gardens, where they add texture and seasonal color without spreading aggressively.
Kinds of Rock jasmine
Over 160 species are recognized today, including former members of Douglasia and Vitaliana. New species continue to be identified, such as three found in the French Alps in 2021, each tied to specific mountain zones.
Questions people ask about Rock jasmine
Where does rock jasmine come from?
It originates in the Himalayas and grows wild across mountain ranges in central Asia, the Caucasus, and southern and central Europe.
What does rock jasmine look like?
It forms low, dense mats of small leaves in rosettes, topped by clusters of white or pink flowers on short stems.
Is rock jasmine used in gardens?
Yes, several species are grown in rock and alpine gardens for their neat, evergreen cushions and delicate blooms.
How many species of Androsace exist?
Plants of the World Online lists 166 accepted species as of May 2022, including former Douglasia and Vitaliana species.
When did Androsace first evolve?
Its ancestor appeared about 35 million years ago, likely as an annual plant in the Himalayas.
Good reading and sources
- Androsace lanuginosaRoyal Horticultural Society, Article
- USDA Plants DatabaseUS Department of Agriculture, Article
- Plants of the World OnlineRoyal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Plant database
- Where it has been recordedGBIF, Plant database
- Sightings and photos by naturalistsiNaturalist, Plant database
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Androsace", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Phool rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes. It is not medical or foraging advice: many flowers are poisonous, and traditional uses are reported, not recommended. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-03.
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