Chorizanthe fimbriata var. laciniata
Laciniate spineflower, Laciniate Spineflower
(c) Millie Basden, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Millie Basden · licence
Family: Polygonaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Chorizanthe fimbriata var. laciniata (Laciniate spineflower) is a native California herb in the Polygonaceae family, recognized by finely fringed with distal segments barely wider than lateral.
Laciniate spineflower is a California native perennial found in the western Peninsular Ranges in sandy, gravelly, and rocky habitats at elevations of 400 to 1,500 meters. Flowering from March to July, this plant produces delicate white to pink flowers with finely fringed perianth lobes. Growing with slender stems 10 to 25 centimeters tall, it forms a compact, low-spreading habit. Its leaves are narrow, measuring 1 to 3 centimeters long and 0.2 to 1.5 centimeters wide, with distinctive finely divided margins. The plant's intricate flower structure features perianth segments that are delicately fringed, creating an elegant and intricate appearance.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 8 sympatric species; finely fringed with distal segments barely wider than lateral
Habitat and range
Habitat: Sand, gravel, rocks
Elevation: 400-1500 m
California counties: San Diego, Riverside, Imperial
Outside California: northern Baja California
Bloom period
Chorizanthe fimbriata var. laciniata blooms Mar-Jul.
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 var. laciniata native to California?
Yes. Chorizanthe fimbriata var. laciniata is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Chorizanthe fimbriata var. laciniata bloom?
Chorizanthe fimbriata var. laciniata blooms Mar-Jul.
Where in California does Chorizanthe fimbriata var. laciniata grow?
Chorizanthe fimbriata var. laciniata occurs in San Diego, Riverside, Imperial, at elevations of 400-1500 m.
What plant family does Chorizanthe fimbriata var. laciniata belong to?
Chorizanthe fimbriata var. laciniata is in the Polygonaceae family, genus Chorizanthe.
What habitat does Chorizanthe fimbriata var. laciniata grow in?
Chorizanthe fimbriata var. laciniata grows in Sand, gravel, rocks.
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.