Atriplex flavida
Carrizo plain crownscale
(c) Mike Heine, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Mike Heine · licence
Family: Chenopodiaceae · Type: Annual · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.3
Atriplex flavida (Carrizo plain crownscale) is a native California annual in the Chenopodiaceae family, recognized by yellowish coloration distinctive.
Carrizo plain crownscale is a rare (CNPS 1B.3) California native annual found in the southern California coastal ranges and adjacent valleys in alkaline clay soils at elevations of 585 to 600 meters. Flowering from March to July, this plant produces yellowish-green flowers in small axillary clusters with mixed staminate and pistillate blooms. Growing to less than 40 centimeters tall with prostrate to erect stems that are initially scaly and becoming glabrous, the plant has a distinctive spreading growth habit. Its alternate leaves are sessile, elliptic to ovate, 3 to 14 millimeters long, densely covered in yellowish scales with tapered to rounded bases and acute tips. The fruit bracts are rhombic-obovate, 2.8 to 3.8 millimeters long, with irregularly toothed margins and variable surface texture.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Geographically isolated; yellowish coloration distinctive
Habitat and range
Habitat: Alkaline clay soils
Elevation: 585-600 m
Bloom period
Atriplex flavida blooms Mar-Jul.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.3
How to tell it apart
vs Artemisia: Atriplex leaves have bead-like scales; Artemisia leaves are finely divided and aromatic when crushed.; vs Ambrosia: Atriplex has simple scaly leaves; Ambrosia has deeply lobed or divided leaves with coarse hairs.; vs Extriplex: Atriplex has 3-5 calyx lobes on male flowers and two seed colors; Extriplex has exactly 4 lobes and uniform dark seeds.; vs Chenopodium: Atriplex has bead-like bladder hairs and paired fruit bracts; Chenopodium has mealy powder and calyx-enclosed fruits.; vs Eriogonum: Atriplex has scaly leaves and paired fruit bracts; Eriogonum has smooth leaves and papery flower tubes.
Frequently asked questions
Is Atriplex flavida native to California?
Yes. Atriplex flavida is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Atriplex flavida bloom?
Atriplex flavida blooms Mar-Jul.
What plant family does Atriplex flavida belong to?
Atriplex flavida is in the Chenopodiaceae family, genus Atriplex.
Is Atriplex flavida rare or endangered?
Atriplex flavida carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.3, state rank S3.
What habitat does Atriplex flavida grow in?
Atriplex flavida grows in Alkaline clay soils.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos · CDFW CNDDB
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.