Eriogonum wrightii var. membranaceum

Ringed-stem bastard-sage, Ringed-Stem Bastard-Sage

Family: Polygonaceae · Type: shrub · Native

Ringed-stem bastard-sage is a California native shrub found in the southwestern deserts on rocky or gravelly terrain at elevations of 300 to 2,200 meters. Flowering from July to October, this plant produces delicate white to pink or rose-colored flowers in small, branched clusters about 2 to 3 millimeters long. Growing as a compact subshrub 20 to 50 centimeters tall with a spread of 30 to 60 centimeters, it has a sparse tomentose (woolly) texture. Its tiny leaves are particularly distinctive, measuring just 2 to 6 millimeters long and 1 to 3 millimeters wide, creating a fine, intricate foliage pattern. The small fruits are approximately 2.5 to 3 millimeters long, completing the plant's delicate architectural form.

Habitat: Common. Gravel or rocks

Bloom period: Jul-Oct

Elevation: 300-2200 m

Bioregions: SW

California counties: San Diego, Riverside, Los Angeles, Imperial, San Bernardino, Ventura, Inyo

Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Jepson eFlora, Cal-IPC, and more.