Eriogonum umbellatum var. dichrocephalum
Bicolor sulphur flower, Bicolor Sulphur Flower
Photo: parent species Eriogonum umbellatum · Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Polygonaceae · Type: Subshrub · Native
Eriogonum umbellatum var. dichrocephalum (Bicolor sulphur flower) is a native California subshrub in the Polygonaceae family, recognized by pale flower color and simple umbel help distinguish from other high-elevation varieties.
Bicolor sulphur flower is a California native perennial found in western and White and Inyo Mountains in sandy to gravelly habitats at elevations of 1,400 to 3,100 meters. Flowering from June to September, this plant produces pale yellow to cream, sometimes nearly white flowers in delicate umbel-like clusters. Growing as a spreading mat 5 to 10 meters in diameter with stems 10 to 25 centimeters tall, densely covered in fine tomentose or hairy indumentum. Its leaves are small, 1 to 2 centimeters long and 0.5 to 1.5 centimeters wide, with a soft tomentose surface on the undersides. The compact mat-forming growth habit and subtle color variations make this sulphur flower a distinctive component of high-elevation desert and mountain landscapes.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 37 sympatric species; pale flower color and simple umbel help distinguish from other high-elevation varieties
Habitat and range
Habitat: Sand to gravel
Elevation: (1200)1400-3100 m
California counties: Inyo, Mono, San Bernardino, Modoc, Tulare, Alpine
Outside California: to eastern Oregon, southwestern Montana, northern Utah
Bloom period
Eriogonum umbellatum var. dichrocephalum blooms Jun-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. dichrocephalum native to California?
Yes. Eriogonum umbellatum var. dichrocephalum is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Eriogonum umbellatum var. dichrocephalum bloom?
Eriogonum umbellatum var. dichrocephalum blooms Jun-Sep.
Where in California does Eriogonum umbellatum var. dichrocephalum grow?
Eriogonum umbellatum var. dichrocephalum occurs in Inyo, Mono, San Bernardino, Modoc, Tulare, Alpine, at elevations of (1200)1400-3100 m.
What plant family does Eriogonum umbellatum var. dichrocephalum belong to?
Eriogonum umbellatum var. dichrocephalum is in the Polygonaceae family, genus Eriogonum.
What habitat does Eriogonum umbellatum var. dichrocephalum grow in?
Eriogonum umbellatum var. dichrocephalum grows in Sand to gravel.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
- 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
- Eriogonum umbellatum var. humistratum — Mount eddy buckwheat
- Eriogonum umbellatum var. juniporinum — Juniper sulphur-flowered buckwheat
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.