Eriogonum umbellatum var. smallianum
Small's sulphur flower, Small's Sulphur Flower
Photo: parent species Eriogonum umbellatum · Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Polygonaceae · Type: Perennial · Native
Eriogonum umbellatum var. smallianum (Small's sulphur flower) is a native California perennial in the Polygonaceae family, recognized by mat form, serpentine habitat, and whorled bracts.
Small's sulphur flower is a California native perennial found in northern Coast Ranges and inner northern Coast Ranges, growing on serpentine habitats at elevations of 700 to 2,000 meters. Flowering from July to September, this plant produces bright yellow flowers in clusters with delicate umbel-like arrangements. Growing as a low-spreading mat three to five meters in diameter, it forms dense ground-covering patches with tomentose stems reaching 5 to 15 centimeters tall. Its small leaves are densely hairy, measuring 5 to 15 millimeters long and 3 to 7 millimeters wide, with soft tomentose surfaces on both upper and lower sides. The distinctive yellow flowers, measuring 4 to 6 millimeters long, emerge from involucre tubes 2 to 3 millimeters in length with small lobes.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 30 sympatric species; distinguished by mat form, serpentine habitat, and whorled bracts
Habitat and range
Habitat: Serpentine
Elevation: 700-2000 m
California counties: Colusa, Mendocino, Lake, Tehama, Glenn, Trinity, Napa
Bloom period
Eriogonum umbellatum var. smallianum 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. smallianum native to California?
Yes. Eriogonum umbellatum var. smallianum is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Eriogonum umbellatum var. smallianum bloom?
Eriogonum umbellatum var. smallianum blooms Jul-Sep.
Where in California does Eriogonum umbellatum var. smallianum grow?
Eriogonum umbellatum var. smallianum occurs in Colusa, Mendocino, Lake, Tehama, Glenn, Trinity, Napa, at elevations of 700-2000 m.
What plant family does Eriogonum umbellatum var. smallianum belong to?
Eriogonum umbellatum var. smallianum is in the Polygonaceae family, genus Eriogonum.
What habitat does Eriogonum umbellatum var. smallianum grow in?
Eriogonum umbellatum var. smallianum grows in Serpentine.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
- 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
- Eriogonum ursinum — Bear buckwheat
- Eriogonum ursinum var. erubescens — Blushing wild buckwheat
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-09-30
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.