Chorizanthe cuspidata
San francisco spineflower
(c) Ken-ichi Ueda, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Polygonaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Chorizanthe cuspidata (San francisco spineflower) is a native California herb in the Polygonaceae family, recognized by abruptly cuspidate perianth lobes distinguish from related species.
San francisco spineflower is a California native perennial found in coastal regions in sandy or rocky areas at elevations near sea level. Flowering from April to July, this plant produces delicate white to rose-colored flowers in compact, dense clusters with intricate branching. Growing as a mat-forming or mounded plant 5 to 100 centimeters in diameter, it spreads with decumbent to ascending branches emerging from its base. Its basal leaves are oblanceolate, 5 to 50 millimeters long and 3 to 10 millimeters wide, covered with fine hairs on both surfaces. The involucre is distinctively three-angled with six ribs, and its perianth is adorned with white to rose-colored lobes that create a subtle, intricate appearance.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 12 sympatric species; abruptly cuspidate perianth lobes distinguish from related species
Habitat and range
California counties: San Francisco, Marin, San Mateo, Santa Cruz, Monterey, Santa Barbara
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 cuspidata native to California?
Yes. Chorizanthe cuspidata is native to California (recorded as native).
Where in California does Chorizanthe cuspidata grow?
Chorizanthe cuspidata occurs in San Francisco, Marin, San Mateo, Santa Cruz, Monterey, Santa Barbara.
What plant family does Chorizanthe cuspidata belong to?
Chorizanthe cuspidata is in the Polygonaceae family, genus Chorizanthe.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
- Chorizanthe cuspidata var. cuspidata — San francisco bay spineflower
- Chorizanthe cuspidata var. villosa — Woolly-headed spineflower
- Chorizanthe diffusa — Diffuse spineflower
- Chorizanthe douglasii — Douglas' spineflower
- Chorizanthe eastwoodiae — Eastwood's spineflower
- Chorizanthe fimbriata — Fringed 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.