Chorizanthe biloba var. biloba

Two-lobe spineflower

Family: Polygonaceae · Type: perennial · Native

Two-lobe spineflower is a California native perennial found in eastern and western central Coast Ranges in Fresno County, inhabiting sandy, gravelly, and clay landscapes at elevations of 200 to 700 meters. Flowering from May to August, this plant produces white to pale pink flowers with distinctive outer perianth lobes that are deeply two-lobed and occasionally minutely toothed. Growing with delicate stems typically 10 to 30 centimeters tall, it forms low, spreading clusters characteristic of spineflower species. Its small leaves are arranged in dense, intricate patterns with narrow, elongated shapes that help the plant blend into its arid, exposed habitats. The plant's unique two-lobed flower structure makes it a notable and intriguing member of its botanical family.

Habitat: Uncommon. Sand, gravel, clay

Bloom period: May-Aug

Elevation: 200-700 m

Bioregions: e SCoRO, w SCoRI, e SCoRI (near Parkfield Grade, w Fresno Co.).

California counties: Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Fresno, Contra Costa

Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Jepson eFlora, Cal-IPC, and more.