Eriogonum umbellatum var. nevadense
Nevada sulphur flower
Photo: parent species Eriogonum umbellatum · Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Polygonaceae · Type: Subshrub · Native
Eriogonum umbellatum var. nevadense (Nevada sulphur flower) is a native California subshrub in the Polygonaceae family, recognized by simple inflorescence and eastern Sierra location.
Nevada sulphur flower is a California native shrub found on the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada, Great Basin, and northwestern Mojave Desert in sandy or gravelly habitats at elevations of 1,500 to 3,000 meters. Flowering from June to September, this plant produces bright yellow flowers in delicate umbel-like clusters. Growing as a compact subshrub 1 to 5 decimeters tall with a spread of 2 to 6 decimeters, it forms dense mounded clusters with sparsely hairy stems. Its leaves are small, measuring 1 to 2 centimeters long and 0.5 to 1.5 centimeters wide, with a sparse tomentose surface that gives the foliage a soft, textured appearance. The plant's yellow perianth flowers and distinctive compact growth form make it a characteristic element of high-elevation desert and mountain landscapes.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 115 sympatric species; distinguished by simple inflorescence and eastern Sierra location
Habitat and range
Habitat: Common. Sand or gravel
Elevation: (1000)1500-3000 m
California counties: Nevada, Mono, Tuolumne, Madera, Modoc, Lassen, Plumas, Inyo, Sierra, Alpine, El Dorado, Tulare, Kern, Fresno, Placer, Siskiyou, Shasta, Mariposa, Amador, Butte, San Bernardino, Tehama, Calaveras, Mendocino
Outside California: southeastern Oregon, western Nevada
Bloom period
Eriogonum umbellatum var. nevadense 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. nevadense native to California?
Yes. Eriogonum umbellatum var. nevadense is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Eriogonum umbellatum var. nevadense bloom?
Eriogonum umbellatum var. nevadense blooms Jun-Sep.
Where in California does Eriogonum umbellatum var. nevadense grow?
Eriogonum umbellatum var. nevadense occurs in Nevada, Mono, Tuolumne, Madera, Modoc, Lassen, Plumas, Inyo and other counties, at elevations of (1000)1500-3000 m.
What plant family does Eriogonum umbellatum var. nevadense belong to?
Eriogonum umbellatum var. nevadense is in the Polygonaceae family, genus Eriogonum.
What habitat does Eriogonum umbellatum var. nevadense grow in?
Eriogonum umbellatum var. nevadense grows in Common. Sand or gravel.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
- 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
- Eriogonum umbellatum var. versicolor — Panamint 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.