Chorizanthe robusta
Robust spineflower
(c) Adam J. Searcy, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Polygonaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Chorizanthe robusta (Robust spineflower) is a native California herb in the Polygonaceae family, recognized by 53 congeners; coarse large plant (to 6 dm across), awnless bracts, dense flower clusters; Santa Cruz/Monterey (Scotts Valley, n&c CCo).
Robust spineflower is a California native perennial found in coastal areas of central California in sandy or gravelly habitats. Flowering from May to July, this plant produces delicate white to rose-colored flowers in dense, rounded clusters with intricate involucres. Growing with decumbent to erect branches spreading one to six decimeters in diameter, it features softly hairy stems that emerge from the plant base. Its oblanceolate leaves are 1 to 3.5 centimeters long, with blades softly hairy on both surfaces and measuring 2 to 5 millimeters wide. The flower perianth is uniquely two-colored, with a white tube and white or rose-colored oblong lobes that are often minutely toothed.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 53 congeners; coarse large plant (to 6 dm across), awnless bracts, dense flower clusters; Santa Cruz/Monterey (Scotts Valley, n&c CCo)
Habitat and range
California counties: Santa Cruz, Monterey, Alameda, San Mateo
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 robusta native to California?
Yes. Chorizanthe robusta is native to California (recorded as native).
Where in California does Chorizanthe robusta grow?
Chorizanthe robusta occurs in Santa Cruz, Monterey, Alameda, San Mateo.
What plant family does Chorizanthe robusta belong to?
Chorizanthe robusta 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.