Chorizanthe pungens var. pungens
Monterey spineflower
(c) Henrik Kibak, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Henrik Kibak · licence
Family: Polygonaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.2 · Threatened
Chorizanthe pungens var. pungens (Monterey spineflower) is a native California herb in the Polygonaceae family, recognized by coastal habitat and pale margins.
Monterey spineflower is a rare (CNPS 1B.2) California native perennial found in central coastal California, including southern Santa Cruz and northern Monterey counties, in sandy habitats at elevations of 0 to 65 meters. Flowering from April to July, this plant produces white to pink-tinged flowers in delicate involucres with distinctive white-margined lobes. Growing prostrate to ascending with slender stems 5 to 15 centimeters tall, it forms low, spreading clusters across sandy terrain. Its leaves are relatively small and narrow, adapting to the sparse coastal sand environments. In its native habitat, this spineflower represents a delicate and specialized plant uniquely adapted to coastal sand dune ecosystems.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 14 sympatric species; diagnostic coastal habitat and pale margins
Habitat and range
Habitat: Sand
Elevation: 0-65 m
California counties: Monterey, Santa Cruz, Butte
Bloom period
Chorizanthe pungens var. pungens blooms Apr-Jul.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.2 · Threatened
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 var. pungens native to California?
Yes. Chorizanthe pungens var. pungens is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Chorizanthe pungens var. pungens bloom?
Chorizanthe pungens var. pungens blooms Apr-Jul.
Where in California does Chorizanthe pungens var. pungens grow?
Chorizanthe pungens var. pungens occurs in Monterey, Santa Cruz, Butte, at elevations of 0-65 m.
What plant family does Chorizanthe pungens var. pungens belong to?
Chorizanthe pungens var. pungens is in the Polygonaceae family, genus Chorizanthe.
Is Chorizanthe pungens var. pungens rare or endangered?
Chorizanthe pungens var. pungens carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.2, state rank S2.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CNPS Rare Plant Inventory · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos · CDFW CNDDB
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.