Chorizanthe valida
Sonoma spineflower
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Family: Polygonaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.1 · Endangered
Chorizanthe valida (Sonoma spineflower) is a native California herb in the Polygonaceae family, recognized by northern coastal location.
Sonoma spineflower is a rare (CNPS 1B.1) California native perennial found in northern central Coast Ranges, now extirpated except on Point Reyes Peninsula, growing in sandy habitats at elevations of 10 to 90 meters. Flowering from June to August, this plant produces white to lavender or rose flowers with fringed petals in dense, rounded clusters. Growing 10 to 60 centimeters wide with sprawling to erect stems that branch and spread in ascending patterns, it develops a distinctive branching habit. Its basal leaves are widely oblanceolate, measuring 1 to 2.5 centimeters long and 0.4 to 0.8 centimeters wide, arranged primarily at the plant's base. The fruit is 3 to 4.5 millimeters long with intricately structured involucres featuring six erect lobes and alternating straight awns.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Geographically isolated; diagnostic northern coastal location
Habitat and range
Habitat: Sand
Elevation: 10-90 m
California counties: Marin, Sonoma
Bloom period
Chorizanthe valida blooms Jun-Aug.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.1 · Endangered
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 valida native to California?
Yes. Chorizanthe valida is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Chorizanthe valida bloom?
Chorizanthe valida blooms Jun-Aug.
Where in California does Chorizanthe valida grow?
Chorizanthe valida occurs in Marin, Sonoma, at elevations of 10-90 m.
What plant family does Chorizanthe valida belong to?
Chorizanthe valida is in the Polygonaceae family, genus Chorizanthe.
Is Chorizanthe valida rare or endangered?
Chorizanthe valida carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.1, state rank S1.
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.