Anulocaulis annulatus
Valley ringstem
(c) Stan Shebs, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · licence
Family: Nyctaginaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Anulocaulis annulatus (Valley ringstem) is a native California herb in the Nyctaginaceae family, recognized by Small genus of southwestern US/northwestern Mexico, representing an endemic Death Valley region element.
Valley ringstem is a California native perennial found in the Death Valley region in rocky slopes and canyons at elevations below 1,200 meters. Flowering from April to May, this plant produces pale pink flowers in terminal panicle-like clusters with head-like flower arrangements. Growing with stems up to 1.5 meters tall, it develops a distinctive branching structure with one to two branches per node. Its leaves are distinctive, with blades 3 to 10 centimeters long, ranging from oblong to round kidney-shaped, covered in stiff hairs with enlarged, dark glandular bases. The fruit is spindle-shaped, 4 to 5 millimeters long and gray-brown in color.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Small genus of southwestern US/northwestern Mexico, representing an endemic Death Valley region element
Habitat and range
Habitat: Rocky slopes, canyons
Elevation: < 1200 m
California counties: Inyo, San Bernardino
Bloom period
Anulocaulis annulatus blooms Apr-May.
How to tell it apart
vs Phacelia: Anulocaulis has smooth fruits with barely visible ribs; Phacelia has bristly/hairy capsules that split open.; vs Abronia: Anulocaulis has erect stems over 7mm thick; Abronia has trailing or prostrate stems under 5mm.; vs Tripterocalyx: Anulocaulis fruits are smooth with inconspicuous ribs; Tripterocalyx fruits have three prominent papery wings.; vs Allionia: Anulocaulis has thick erect stems over 7mm; Allionia has slender spreading or trailing stems.; vs Mirabilis: Anulocaulis has free bracts below flowers; Mirabilis bracts are fused into a cup around flowers.
Frequently asked questions
Is Anulocaulis annulatus native to California?
Yes. Anulocaulis annulatus is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Anulocaulis annulatus bloom?
Anulocaulis annulatus blooms Apr-May.
Where in California does Anulocaulis annulatus grow?
Anulocaulis annulatus occurs in Inyo, San Bernardino, at elevations of < 1200 m.
What plant family does Anulocaulis annulatus belong to?
Anulocaulis annulatus is in the Nyctaginaceae family, genus Anulocaulis.
What habitat does Anulocaulis annulatus grow in?
Anulocaulis annulatus grows in Rocky 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.