Aconogonon newberryi
Newberry's smartweed
(c) Mount Rainier National Park, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Polygonaceae · Type: Perennial · Native
Aconogonon newberryi (Newberry's smartweed) is a native California perennial in the Polygonaceae family, recognized by volcanic habitat preference, dark green to reddish leaves, and intermediate size.
Newberry's smartweed is a California native perennial found in the Klamath Ranges, Mount Shasta area, northern and central Sierra Nevada Mountains, and Modoc Plateau on volcanic slopes, especially pumice, at elevations of 1,500 to 2,400 meters. Flowering from June to August, this plant produces green-white to pale pink flowers in small clusters of 3 to 6 blooms. Growing with ascending to erect stems 10 to 35 centimeters tall, it develops branches from the base and has a distinctive glaucous appearance. Its lanceolate to ovate leaves are generally glabrous, measuring 2.5 to 7 centimeters long, with a dark green color that turns reddish, and feature an acute base that is cordate to semi-sagittate. The fruit is yellow-brown, shiny, and measures 3.5 to 5 millimeters long.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 2 sympatric species; distinguished by volcanic habitat preference, dark green to reddish leaves, and intermediate size
Habitat and range
Habitat: Volcanic slopes, especially pumice
Elevation: 1500-2400 m
California counties: Siskiyou
Outside California: to Washington
Bloom period
Aconogonon newberryi blooms Jun-Aug.
How to tell it apart
vs Oxyria: Aconogonon has branching flower clusters; Oxyria has kidney-shaped leaves and flowers in simple spikes.; vs Bistorta: Aconogonon has loose, branching clusters; Bistorta forms dense, bottle-brush-like spikes.; vs Persicaria: Aconogonon has open, branching flower clusters; Persicaria forms tight spikes or heads.; vs Polygonum: Aconogonon is tall and upright in mountains; Polygonum is low-growing in disturbed lowlands.; vs Fallopia: Aconogonon grows upright; Fallopia climbs with heart-shaped leaves and winged fruits.
Frequently asked questions
Is Aconogonon newberryi native to California?
Yes. Aconogonon newberryi is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Aconogonon newberryi bloom?
Aconogonon newberryi blooms Jun-Aug.
Where in California does Aconogonon newberryi grow?
Aconogonon newberryi occurs in Siskiyou, at elevations of 1500-2400 m.
What plant family does Aconogonon newberryi belong to?
Aconogonon newberryi is in the Polygonaceae family, genus Aconogonon.
What habitat does Aconogonon newberryi grow in?
Aconogonon newberryi grows in Volcanic slopes, especially pumice.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-06
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.