Chorizanthe fimbriata
Fringed spineflower
Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Polygonaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Chorizanthe fimbriata (Fringed spineflower) is a native California herb in the Polygonaceae family, recognized by large fringed perianth lobes are distinctive.
Fringed spineflower is a California native perennial found in coastal and inland areas in sandy or open habitats at low to moderate elevations. Flowering from April to June, this plant produces white to rose or purple flowers with fringed petals in small, delicate clusters. Growing with erect, hairy stems that branch from the base, it reaches 10 to 30 centimeters tall with a glandular, ascending growth habit. Its basal leaves are elliptic to spoon-shaped, sparsely covered with soft whitish hairs, with blades measuring 1 to 3 centimeters long. The distinctive involucre is triangular, 4 to 6 millimeters long, with six lobes of alternating lengths and needle-like bracts.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 12 sympatric species; large fringed perianth lobes are distinctive
Habitat and range
California counties: San Diego, Riverside, Orange, Los Angeles, Imperial
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 fimbriata native to California?
Yes. Chorizanthe fimbriata is native to California (recorded as native).
Where in California does Chorizanthe fimbriata grow?
Chorizanthe fimbriata occurs in San Diego, Riverside, Orange, Los Angeles, Imperial.
What plant family does Chorizanthe fimbriata belong to?
Chorizanthe fimbriata is in the Polygonaceae family, genus Chorizanthe.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
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.