Nitrophila mohavensis

Amargosa nitrophila, Amargosa Nitrophila

Family: Amaranthaceae · Type: perennial · Native

Conservation status: CNPS 1B.1 · Endangered

Amargosa nitrophila is a rare (CNPS 1B.1) California native perennial found in northern Mojave Desert's Amargosa Desert region on alkaline flats at elevations of 300 to 750 meters. Flowering from May to November, this plant produces pale pink flowers in small axillary clusters. Growing with many generally erect stems that form dense clusters, it develops slightly clasping leaves with a compact growth habit. Its leaves are distinctive, partially wrapping around the stem with a subtle green to grayish coloration. The tiny seeds, approximately 1 millimeter long, have a notable shiny surface characteristic of this unique desert species.

Habitat: Alkaline flats

Bloom period: May-Nov

Elevation: 300-750 m

Bioregions: n DMoj (Amargosa Desert)

California counties: Inyo, San Bernardino

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