Fagonia sp.
Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Zygophyllaceae · Type: Perennial · Native
Fagonia sp. is a native California perennial in the Zygophyllaceae family.
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 sp. native to California?
Yes. Fagonia sp. is native to California (recorded as native).
What plant family does Fagonia sp. belong to?
Fagonia sp. is in the Zygophyllaceae family, genus Fagonia.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-04-14
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.