Amphipappus fremontii var. spinosus
Spiny fremont's chaffbush
Photo: parent species Amphipappus fremontii · (c) Steve Matson, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Asteraceae · Type: Shrub · Native
Amphipappus fremontii var. spinosus (Spiny fremont's chaffbush) is a native California shrub in the Asteraceae family, recognized by . Distinguished by higher elevation range < 1600m and e-c DMoj distribution in San Bernardino Co.
Spiny fremont's chaffbush is a California native shrub found in eastern and central Mojave Desert regions of San Bernardino County on rocky or gravelly flats, slopes, and canyons at elevations below 1,600 meters. Flowering from March to June, this plant produces small, clustered flowers typical of the chaffbush family. Growing with dense, spiny branches that create a compact and intricate form, the shrub reaches moderate heights in its arid desert habitat. Its leaves are small and closely arranged, adapting to the harsh desert environment with a compact structure that helps conserve moisture. The plant is well-adapted to the rocky, gravelly terrain of the Mojave Desert, extending its range through neighboring states including Utah, Nevada, and Arizona.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Geographically isolated with 0 sympatric species. Distinguished by higher elevation range < 1600m and e-c DMoj distribution in San Bernardino Co.
Habitat and range
Habitat: Rocky or gravelly flats, slopes, canyons
Elevation: < 1600 m
Outside California: to Utah, Nevada, Arizona
Bloom period
Amphipappus fremontii var. spinosus blooms Mar-Jun.
How to tell it apart
vs Arctotheca: Arctotheca has deeply lobed leaves; Amphipappus has entire spoon-shaped leaves.; vs Heteranthemis: Heteranthemis has dissected leaves; Amphipappus has simple entire leaves.; vs Gutierrezia: Gutierrezia has narrow linear grass-like leaves; Amphipappus has broader spoon-shaped leaves.; vs Grindelia: Grindelia has gummy sticky flower heads; Amphipappus is only slightly resinous.; vs Stenotus: Stenotus has narrow linear leaves; Amphipappus has broader elliptic to spoon-shaped leaves.
Frequently asked questions
Is Amphipappus fremontii var. spinosus native to California?
Yes. Amphipappus fremontii var. spinosus is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Amphipappus fremontii var. spinosus bloom?
Amphipappus fremontii var. spinosus blooms Mar-Jun.
What plant family does Amphipappus fremontii var. spinosus belong to?
Amphipappus fremontii var. spinosus is in the Asteraceae family, genus Amphipappus.
What habitat does Amphipappus fremontii var. spinosus grow in?
Amphipappus fremontii var. spinosus grows in Rocky or gravelly flats, slopes, canyons.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.