Eriogonum umbellatum var. nelsoniorum
Nelsons' sulphur flower, Nelsons' Sulphur Flower
Photo: parent species Eriogonum umbellatum · Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Polygonaceae · Type: Shrub · Native
Eriogonum umbellatum var. nelsoniorum (Nelsons' sulphur flower) is a native California shrub in the Polygonaceae family, recognized by subshrub form on serpentine in Klamaths distinctive.
Nelsons' sulphur flower is a California native shrub found in the Klamath Ranges on serpentine terrain at elevations of 1,500 to 2,300 meters. Flowering from July to September, this plant produces yellow flowers 5 to 7 millimeters long in delicate umbel-like clusters. Growing as a compact subshrub 1 to 2.5 decimeters tall with a spread of 2 to 7 decimeters, it features thinly hairy stems. Its leaves are small, measuring 1 to 1.5 centimeters long and white-tomentose underneath, creating a soft, textured appearance. The plant's distinctive white-woolly leaf undersides and bright yellow flowers make it a notable species in serpentine landscapes.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 36 sympatric species; subshrub form on serpentine in Klamaths distinctive
Habitat and range
Habitat: Serpentine
Elevation: 1500-2300 m
California counties: Humboldt, Trinity, Siskiyou, Del Norte, Shasta
Bloom period
Eriogonum umbellatum var. nelsoniorum 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. nelsoniorum native to California?
Yes. Eriogonum umbellatum var. nelsoniorum is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Eriogonum umbellatum var. nelsoniorum bloom?
Eriogonum umbellatum var. nelsoniorum blooms Jul-Sep.
Where in California does Eriogonum umbellatum var. nelsoniorum grow?
Eriogonum umbellatum var. nelsoniorum occurs in Humboldt, Trinity, Siskiyou, Del Norte, Shasta, at elevations of 1500-2300 m.
What plant family does Eriogonum umbellatum var. nelsoniorum belong to?
Eriogonum umbellatum var. nelsoniorum is in the Polygonaceae family, genus Eriogonum.
What habitat does Eriogonum umbellatum var. nelsoniorum grow in?
Eriogonum umbellatum var. nelsoniorum grows in Serpentine.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
- 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
- Eriogonum umbellatum var. torreyanum — Donner pass buckwheat
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-06
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.