Chorizanthe pungens
Monterey spineflower
(c) Henrik Kibak, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Henrik Kibak · licence
Family: Polygonaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Chorizanthe pungens (Monterey spineflower) is a native California herb in the Polygonaceae family, recognized by 53 congeners; bracts awned 0.5-1.2 mm; Monterey Bay coastal sand and Santa Cruz Sandhills.
Monterey spineflower is a California native perennial found in coastal regions in sandy maritime habitats at low elevations. Flowering from April to June, this plant produces white to rose-colored flowers with delicate pink or purple scarious margins in small dense clusters. Growing as a mat-forming to slightly erect plant 5 to 25 centimeters in diameter, it spreads with prostrate to ascending branches from a short central stem. Its leaves are predominantly basal, with oblanceolate blades 5 to 50 millimeters long and 3 to 7 millimeters wide, creating a low, intricate ground-hugging form. The distinctive involucre is three-angled with six ribs, featuring hooked awns 1 to 3 millimeters long that contribute to its unique spiny appearance.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 53 congeners; bracts awned 0.5-1.2 mm; Monterey Bay coastal sand and Santa Cruz Sandhills
Habitat and range
California counties: Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Monterey, Santa Cruz, San Francisco, Mendocino
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 pungens native to California?
Yes. Chorizanthe pungens is native to California (recorded as native).
Where in California does Chorizanthe pungens grow?
Chorizanthe pungens occurs in Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Monterey, Santa Cruz, San Francisco, Mendocino.
What plant family does Chorizanthe pungens belong to?
Chorizanthe pungens is in the Polygonaceae family, genus Chorizanthe.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
- Chorizanthe pungens var. hartwegiana — Ben lomond spineflower
- Chorizanthe pungens var. pungens — Monterey spineflower
- Chorizanthe rectispina — Straight-awned spineflower
- Chorizanthe rigida — Devil's spineflower
- Chorizanthe robusta — Robust spineflower
- Chorizanthe robusta var. hartwegii — Scotts valley 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.