Chorizanthe biloba var. biloba
Two-lobe spineflower
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Family: Polygonaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Chorizanthe biloba var. biloba (Two-lobe spineflower) is a native California herb in the Polygonaceae family, recognized by deeply 2-lobed petals distinguish from var. immemora.
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.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 19 sympatric species; deeply 2-lobed petals distinguish from var. immemora
Habitat and range
Habitat: Uncommon. Sand, gravel, clay
Elevation: 200-700 m
California counties: Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Fresno, Contra Costa
Bloom period
Chorizanthe biloba var. biloba blooms May-Aug.
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 var. biloba native to California?
Yes. Chorizanthe biloba var. biloba is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Chorizanthe biloba var. biloba bloom?
Chorizanthe biloba var. biloba blooms May-Aug.
Where in California does Chorizanthe biloba var. biloba grow?
Chorizanthe biloba var. biloba occurs in Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Fresno, Contra Costa, at elevations of 200-700 m.
What plant family does Chorizanthe biloba var. biloba belong to?
Chorizanthe biloba var. biloba is in the Polygonaceae family, genus Chorizanthe.
What habitat does Chorizanthe biloba var. biloba grow in?
Chorizanthe biloba var. biloba grows in Uncommon. Sand, gravel, clay.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
- 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
- Chorizanthe breweri — Brewer's 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.