Eriogonum umbellatum var. chlorothamnus
Sherwin grade sulphur flower, Sherwin Grade Sulphur Flower
Photo: parent species Eriogonum umbellatum · Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Polygonaceae · Type: Subshrub · Native
Eriogonum umbellatum var. chlorothamnus (Sherwin grade sulphur flower) is a native California subshrub in the Polygonaceae family, recognized by distinctive glabrous appearance and shrub form separate from other varieties.
Sherwin grade sulphur flower is a California native shrub found in southern Sierra Nevada, Sierra Nevada east, and northwestern Mojave Desert regions in sandy habitats at elevations of 1,600 to 2,600 meters. Flowering from July to September, this plant produces distinctive yellow flowers 3 to 6 millimeters long in clustered umbels. Growing as a compact subshrub 4 to 10 meters tall with a spread of 5 to 12 meters, it features glabrous stems and branches. Its leaves are small and delicate, measuring 0.5 to 2 centimeters long and 0.3 to 1 centimeter wide, with a smooth surface. The plant forms a rounded, dense structure with multiple branching orders and creates an attractive, low-growing presence in its high-elevation sandy habitat.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 73 sympatric species; distinctive glabrous appearance and shrub form separate from other varieties
Habitat and range
Habitat: Sand
Elevation: 1600-2600 m
California counties: Inyo, Mono, Tulare
Bloom period
Eriogonum umbellatum var. chlorothamnus blooms Jul-Sep.
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 umbellatum var. chlorothamnus native to California?
Yes. Eriogonum umbellatum var. chlorothamnus is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Eriogonum umbellatum var. chlorothamnus bloom?
Eriogonum umbellatum var. chlorothamnus blooms Jul-Sep.
Where in California does Eriogonum umbellatum var. chlorothamnus grow?
Eriogonum umbellatum var. chlorothamnus occurs in Inyo, Mono, Tulare, at elevations of 1600-2600 m.
What plant family does Eriogonum umbellatum var. chlorothamnus belong to?
Eriogonum umbellatum var. chlorothamnus is in the Polygonaceae family, genus Eriogonum.
What habitat does Eriogonum umbellatum var. chlorothamnus grow in?
Eriogonum umbellatum var. chlorothamnus grows in Sand.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
- Eriogonum umbellatum var. covillei — Coville's sulphur flower
- Eriogonum umbellatum var. dichrocephalum — Bicolor sulphur flower
- Eriogonum umbellatum var. dumosum — American valley sulphur flower
- Eriogonum umbellatum var. furcosum — Sierra nevada sulphur flower
- Eriogonum umbellatum var. glaberrimum — Warner mountains buckwheat
- Eriogonum umbellatum var. goodmanii — Goodman's sulphur flower
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.