Eriogonum deflexum var. deflexum
Flat-topped skeleton weed
Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Polygonaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Eriogonum deflexum var. deflexum (Flat-topped skeleton weed) is a native California herb in the Polygonaceae family, recognized by flat-topped habit and short reflexed peduncles distinguish from other varieties.
Flat-topped skeleton weed is a California native annual found in desert regions in sandy habitats at elevations from 50 meters below sea level to 1,900 meters. Flowering throughout the entire year, this plant produces small, delicate flowers in flat-topped, spreading hemispheric clusters that can be quite distinctive. Growing with slender stems 0.5 to 5 decimeters tall, it develops whip-like branches that spread in an open, irregular pattern. Its flowers feature outer lobes that are cordate to ovate, creating intricate and delicate inflorescences that blend seamlessly with sandy desert landscapes. The plant's ability to bloom year-round and its unique flat-topped branch structure make it a resilient and adaptable desert dweller.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 58 sympatric species; flat-topped habit and short reflexed peduncles distinguish from other varieties
Habitat and range
Habitat: Common. Sand
Elevation: -50-1900 m
California counties: San Bernardino, Riverside, Inyo, Imperial, San Diego, Kern, Los Angeles, Mono, Tulare
Outside California: to western and southern Utah, southwestern New Mexico, northwestern Mexico
Bloom period
Eriogonum deflexum var. deflexum blooms All year.
How to tell it apart
vs Adenostoma: Eriogonum has flowers in cup-like involucres; Adenostoma has tiny white rose-family flowers in spikes.; vs Salvia: Eriogonum has six similar perianth parts; Salvia has two-lipped tubular flowers.; vs Fagopyrum: Eriogonum has flowers in involucred clusters; Fagopyrum has loose branching sprays without involucres.; vs Artemisia: Eriogonum has cup-surrounded flower clusters; Artemisia has tiny inconspicuous heads in drooping sprays.; vs Chorizanthe: Eriogonum has multiple flowers per involucre; Chorizanthe has one flower per involucre with spiny teeth.
Frequently asked questions
Is Eriogonum deflexum var. deflexum native to California?
Yes. Eriogonum deflexum var. deflexum is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Eriogonum deflexum var. deflexum bloom?
Eriogonum deflexum var. deflexum blooms All year.
Where in California does Eriogonum deflexum var. deflexum grow?
Eriogonum deflexum var. deflexum occurs in San Bernardino, Riverside, Inyo, Imperial, San Diego, Kern, Los Angeles, Mono and other counties, at elevations of -50-1900 m.
What plant family does Eriogonum deflexum var. deflexum belong to?
Eriogonum deflexum var. deflexum is in the Polygonaceae family, genus Eriogonum.
What habitat does Eriogonum deflexum var. deflexum grow in?
Eriogonum deflexum var. deflexum grows in Common. Sand.
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.