Eriogonum deflexum var. nevadense
Nevada skeleton weed, Nevada Skeleton Weed
Photo: parent species Eriogonum deflexum · Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Polygonaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Eriogonum deflexum var. nevadense (Nevada skeleton weed) is a native California herb in the Polygonaceae family, recognized by small size and oblong flower lobes distinguish from other deflexum varieties.
Nevada skeleton weed is a California native annual herb found in the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains in sandy habitats at elevations of 1,000 to 2,200 meters. Flowering from June to October, this plant produces small flowers in flat-topped, spreading inflorescences with delicate, reflexed branches. Growing with slender stems 5 to 30 centimeters tall that remain thin and unswollen, it forms a low, open structure across sandy terrain. Its leaves and stem structure create a skeletal, open appearance characteristic of its common name. The tiny flowers measure 1 to 1.5 millimeters long, with oblong-shaped lobes that contribute to the plant's delicate architectural form.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 50 sympatric species; small size and oblong flower lobes distinguish from other deflexum varieties
Habitat and range
Habitat: Locally common. Sand
Elevation: 1000-2200 m
California counties: Mono, Inyo, San Bernardino
Outside California: Nevada
Bloom period
Eriogonum deflexum var. nevadense blooms Jun-Oct.
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. nevadense native to California?
Yes. Eriogonum deflexum var. nevadense is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Eriogonum deflexum var. nevadense bloom?
Eriogonum deflexum var. nevadense blooms Jun-Oct.
Where in California does Eriogonum deflexum var. nevadense grow?
Eriogonum deflexum var. nevadense occurs in Mono, Inyo, San Bernardino, at elevations of 1000-2200 m.
What plant family does Eriogonum deflexum var. nevadense belong to?
Eriogonum deflexum var. nevadense is in the Polygonaceae family, genus Eriogonum.
What habitat does Eriogonum deflexum var. nevadense grow in?
Eriogonum deflexum var. nevadense grows in Locally 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.