Eriogonum wrightii var. membranaceum
Ringed-stem bastard-sage, Ringed-Stem Bastard-Sage
Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Polygonaceae · Type: Subshrub · Native
Eriogonum wrightii var. membranaceum (Ringed-stem bastard-sage) is a native California subshrub in the Polygonaceae family, recognized by small leaves and southwestern distribution.
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.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 67 sympatric species; distinguished by small leaves and southwestern distribution
Habitat and range
Habitat: Common. Gravel or rocks
Elevation: 300-2200 m
California counties: San Diego, Riverside, Los Angeles, Imperial, San Bernardino, Ventura, Inyo
Outside California: northern Baja California
Bloom period
Eriogonum wrightii var. membranaceum blooms Jul-Oct.
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 wrightii var. membranaceum native to California?
Yes. Eriogonum wrightii var. membranaceum is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Eriogonum wrightii var. membranaceum bloom?
Eriogonum wrightii var. membranaceum blooms Jul-Oct.
Where in California does Eriogonum wrightii var. membranaceum grow?
Eriogonum wrightii var. membranaceum occurs in San Diego, Riverside, Los Angeles, Imperial, San Bernardino, Ventura, Inyo, at elevations of 300-2200 m.
What plant family does Eriogonum wrightii var. membranaceum belong to?
Eriogonum wrightii var. membranaceum is in the Polygonaceae family, genus Eriogonum.
What habitat does Eriogonum wrightii var. membranaceum grow in?
Eriogonum wrightii var. membranaceum grows in Common. Gravel or rocks.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
- Eriogonum wrightii var. nodosum — Knot-stem bastard-sage
- Eriogonum wrightii var. olanchense — Olancha peak buckwheat
- Eriogonum wrightii var. subscaposum — Short-stemmed bastard-sage
- Eriogonum wrightii var. trachygonum — Rough-node bastard-sage
- Eriogonum wrightii var. wrightii — Wright's bastard-sage
- Eriogonum alexanderae — Alexander's buckwheat
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-08
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.