Fagonia pachyacantha
Fagonis
Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Zygophyllaceae · Type: Subshrub · Native
Fagonia pachyacantha (Fagonis) is a native California subshrub in the Zygophyllaceae family, recognized by clear growth form difference and elevation/habitat separation from F. laevis.
Fagonis is a native perennial found in the southern deserts of California at elevations below 500 meters in flat, sandy or rocky habitats. Flowering from March to May and November to January, this plant produces small flowers approximately 1.5 centimeters wide. Growing with a woody caudex and slender stems, it develops compact vegetation with fine, delicate structure. Its leaves feature small leaflets less than 25 millimeters long, typically narrower than 9 millimeters wide and roughly equal to or shorter than the petiole. The fruit is approximately 5 millimeters wide, covered in fine hairs and occasionally featuring glandular surfaces.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 1 sympatric species; clear growth form difference and elevation/habitat separation from F. laevis
Habitat and range
Habitat: Flat, sandy or rocky habitats
Elevation: < 500 m
California counties: Riverside, Imperial, San Diego, San Bernardino
Outside California: to southwestern Arizona, Mexico
Bloom period
Fagonia pachyacantha blooms Mar-May, Nov--Jan.
How to tell it apart
vs Larrea: Fagonia has three spine-tipped leaflets spreading like fingers; Larrea has two leaflets joined at base without spines.; vs Chorizanthe: Fagonia is a woody shrub with three-part spiny leaves; Chorizanthe is herbaceous with simple leaves and papery flower bracts.; vs Salsola: Fagonia has distinct three-leaflet clusters with obvious spines; Salsola has succulent-like single leaves spiraling around stems.; vs Galium: Fagonia is a woody desert shrub with rigid spine-tipped leaves; Galium is a delicate herb with soft whorled leaves.; vs Zygophyllum: Fagonia has three spine-tipped leaflets; Zygophyllum has paired fleshy leaflets without spine tips.
Frequently asked questions
Is Fagonia pachyacantha native to California?
Yes. Fagonia pachyacantha is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Fagonia pachyacantha bloom?
Fagonia pachyacantha blooms Mar-May, Nov--Jan.
Where in California does Fagonia pachyacantha grow?
Fagonia pachyacantha occurs in Riverside, Imperial, San Diego, San Bernardino, at elevations of < 500 m.
What plant family does Fagonia pachyacantha belong to?
Fagonia pachyacantha is in the Zygophyllaceae family, genus Fagonia.
What habitat does Fagonia pachyacantha grow in?
Fagonia pachyacantha grows in Flat, sandy or rocky habitats.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
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.