Nitrophila mohavensis
Amargosa nitrophila, Amargosa Nitrophila
(c) Stan Shebs, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · licence
Family: Amaranthaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.1 · Endangered
Nitrophila mohavensis (Amargosa nitrophila) is a native California herb in the Amaranthaceae family, recognized by key differences are stem habit (erect vs decumbent to erect) and leaf attachment (clasping vs sessile).
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.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 1 sympatric species; key differences are stem habit (erect vs decumbent to erect) and leaf attachment (clasping vs sessile)
Habitat and range
Habitat: Alkaline flats
Elevation: 300-750 m
California counties: Inyo, San Bernardino
Outside California: western Nevada
Bloom period
Nitrophila mohavensis blooms May-Nov.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.1 · Endangered
How to tell it apart
vs Amaranthus: Amaranthus has thin flat leaves; Nitrophila has thick succulent leaves like a mini ice plant.; vs Alternanthera: Alternanthera has thin leaves and aquatic habitat; Nitrophila has succulent leaves in alkaline flats.; vs Guilleminea: Guilleminea has thin flat leaves; Nitrophila has obvious thick succulent leaves.; vs Tidestromia: Tidestromia is densely woolly-hairy; Nitrophila is succulent and powdery but not fuzzy.; vs Sesuvium: Sesuvium has showy pink flowers with many stamens; Nitrophila has tiny inconspicuous flowers.
Frequently asked questions
Is Nitrophila mohavensis native to California?
Yes. Nitrophila mohavensis is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Nitrophila mohavensis bloom?
Nitrophila mohavensis blooms May-Nov.
Where in California does Nitrophila mohavensis grow?
Nitrophila mohavensis occurs in Inyo, San Bernardino, at elevations of 300-750 m.
What plant family does Nitrophila mohavensis belong to?
Nitrophila mohavensis is in the Amaranthaceae family, genus Nitrophila.
Is Nitrophila mohavensis rare or endangered?
Nitrophila mohavensis carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.1, state rank S1.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CNPS Rare Plant Inventory · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos · CDFW CNDDB
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.