Chorizanthe biloba
Two lobed spineflower
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Family: Polygonaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Chorizanthe biloba (Two lobed spineflower) is a native California herb in the Polygonaceae family, recognized by deeply 2-lobed purple flower petals.
Two lobed spineflower is a California native perennial found in dry, rocky habitats at elevations of 1,000 to 1,500 meters. Flowering from May to June, this plant produces light to dark purple flowers with distinctive two-lobed perianth segments up to 6 millimeters long. Growing with erect stems 10 to 40 centimeters tall, the plant branches from an upright stem with ascending branches and appears somewhat hairy. Its basal leaves are oblanceolate, measuring 1 to 3 centimeters long and 0.4 to 1 centimeter wide, with distinctive needle-like bracts forming dense, flat clusters. The plant's intricate involucre is 4 to 6 millimeters long, three-angled, and six-ribbed, with alternating short and long lobes.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 19 sympatric species; deeply 2-lobed purple flower petals are diagnostic
Habitat and range
California counties: San Luis Obispo, Monterey, Fresno, Tulare, Kings
How to tell it apart
vs Eriogonum: Chorizanthe has 1 flower per involucre; Eriogonum has multiple flowers per involucre.; vs Eremothera: Chorizanthe has 6-parted flowers in spiny cups; Eremothera has 4-petaled evening-primrose flowers.; vs Calyptridium: Chorizanthe has flowers in awned involucres; Calyptridium has naked flowers with papery sepals.; vs Lastarriaea: Chorizanthe has thin papery flowers; Lastarriaea has distinctly thick, leathery-textured flowers.; vs Navarretia: Chorizanthe is in Polygonaceae with 6-parted flowers; Navarretia is in Polemoniaceae with 5-lobed tubular flowers.
Frequently asked questions
Is Chorizanthe biloba native to California?
Yes. Chorizanthe biloba is native to California (recorded as native).
Where in California does Chorizanthe biloba grow?
Chorizanthe biloba occurs in San Luis Obispo, Monterey, Fresno, Tulare, Kings.
What plant family does Chorizanthe biloba belong to?
Chorizanthe biloba is in the Polygonaceae family, genus Chorizanthe.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
- Chorizanthe biloba var. biloba — Two-lobe spineflower
- Chorizanthe biloba var. immemora — Hernandez spineflower
- Chorizanthe blakleyi — Blakley's spineflower
- Chorizanthe brevicornu — Brittle spine flower
- Chorizanthe brevicornu var. brevicornu — Brittle spineflower
- Chorizanthe brevicornu var. spathulata — Great basin brittle spineflower
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.