Eriogonum umbellatum var. munzii
Munz's sulphur flower
Photo: parent species Eriogonum umbellatum · Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Polygonaceae · Type: Subshrub · Native
Eriogonum umbellatum var. munzii (Munz's sulphur flower) is a native California subshrub in the Polygonaceae family, recognized by southern CA transverse ranges location and branched inflorescence.
Munz's sulphur flower is a California native perennial found in the Transverse Ranges and San Jacinto Mountains on sandy or gravelly sites at elevations of 1,500 to 2,600 meters. Flowering from June to September, this plant produces distinctive yellow flowers 3 to 8 millimeters long in umbel-like clusters. Growing as a low-spreading mat 3 to 6 decimeters in diameter, it forms compact ground-covering stems 10 to 20 centimeters tall that are generally covered in soft, woolly hairs. Its leaves are relatively small, measuring 1 to 2 centimeters long and 0.5 to 1 centimeter wide, with dense tomentose surfaces that give the plant a soft, grayish appearance. The plant's intricate branched inflorescences feature involucre tubes 2 to 3 millimeters long with small teeth 1 to 2 millimeters in length.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 49 sympatric species; southern CA transverse ranges location and branched inflorescence help distinguish
Habitat and range
Habitat: Sand or gravel
Elevation: 1500-2600 m
California counties: Los Angeles, Kern, San Bernardino, Santa Barbara, Riverside, Tulare, Ventura, San Diego
Bloom period
Eriogonum umbellatum var. munzii 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. munzii native to California?
Yes. Eriogonum umbellatum var. munzii is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Eriogonum umbellatum var. munzii bloom?
Eriogonum umbellatum var. munzii blooms Jun-Sep.
Where in California does Eriogonum umbellatum var. munzii grow?
Eriogonum umbellatum var. munzii occurs in Los Angeles, Kern, San Bernardino, Santa Barbara, Riverside, Tulare, Ventura, San Diego, at elevations of 1500-2600 m.
What plant family does Eriogonum umbellatum var. munzii belong to?
Eriogonum umbellatum var. munzii is in the Polygonaceae family, genus Eriogonum.
What habitat does Eriogonum umbellatum var. munzii grow in?
Eriogonum umbellatum var. munzii grows in Sand or gravel.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
- Eriogonum umbellatum var. nelsoniorum — Nelsons' sulphur flower
- Eriogonum umbellatum var. nevadense — Nevada sulphur flower
- Eriogonum umbellatum var. polyanthum — American river sulphur flower
- Eriogonum umbellatum var. smallianum — Small's sulphur flower
- Eriogonum umbellatum var. speciosum — Beautiful sulphur flower
- Eriogonum umbellatum var. subaridum — Ferris' 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.