Chorizanthe watsonii
Watson's spineflower, Watson's Spineflower
(c) Jim Morefield, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Polygonaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Chorizanthe watsonii (Watson's spineflower) is a native California herb in the Polygonaceae family, recognized by 5-lobed involucres and densely hairy leaves.
Watson's spineflower is a California native perennial found in the southwestern San Joaquin Valley, northern Tehachapi Range, Great Basin, and western Mojave Desert in sandy or gravelly habitats at elevations of 300 to 2,400 meters. Flowering from April to August, this plant produces yellow flowers in small, open clusters with distinctive three-angled involucres. Growing with diffusely branched stems 2 to 10 centimeters tall, the plant rises from the base with ascending branches. Its leaves are primarily basal, with oblanceolate blades 5 to 15 millimeters long, densely covered in stiff, gray hairs. The tiny flowers feature nine stamens fused to the perianth tube, creating a delicate and intricate botanical structure.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 8 sympatric species; diagnostic 5-lobed involucres and densely hairy leaves
Habitat and range
Habitat: Common. Sand or gravel
Elevation: 300-2400 m
California counties: San Bernardino, Ventura, Kern, Inyo, Tulare, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Riverside, Mono, Lassen, San Luis Obispo, San Diego
Outside California: eastern Washington, southern Idaho, southwestern Utah, northwestern Arizona
Bloom period
Chorizanthe watsonii blooms Apr-Aug.
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 watsonii native to California?
Yes. Chorizanthe watsonii is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Chorizanthe watsonii bloom?
Chorizanthe watsonii blooms Apr-Aug.
Where in California does Chorizanthe watsonii grow?
Chorizanthe watsonii occurs in San Bernardino, Ventura, Kern, Inyo, Tulare, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Riverside and other counties, at elevations of 300-2400 m.
What plant family does Chorizanthe watsonii belong to?
Chorizanthe watsonii is in the Polygonaceae family, genus Chorizanthe.
What habitat does Chorizanthe watsonii grow in?
Chorizanthe watsonii grows in Common. Sand or gravel.
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.