Pholisma sonorae
Sand food
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Family: Lennoaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.2
Pholisma sonorae (Sand food) is a native California herb in the Lennoaceae family, recognized by (P. arenarium). Key differences: restricted range, elevation, stem dimensions, corolla pubescence.
Sand food is a rare (CNPS 1B.2) California native perennial found in southeastern Imperial County in desert dune and sandy habitats at elevations below 200 meters. Flowering from April to May, this plant produces pink to purple flowers with white margins, creating a delicate and distinctive bloom. Growing 5 to 15 decimeters tall with stems 0.5 to 2 centimeters in diameter, it forms a robust and substantial presence in its sparse desert environment. Its flowers feature linear calyx lobes and contain 12 to 32 ovary chambers, contributing to its unique botanical structure. This uncommon plant is an intriguing example of desert adaptation, thriving in the challenging sandy landscapes of southern California.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 1 sympatric species (P. arenarium). Key differences: restricted range, elevation, stem dimensions, corolla pubescence
Habitat and range
Habitat: Dunes, sandy areas
Elevation: < 200 m
California counties: Imperial
Outside California: western Arizona, northwestern Mexico
Bloom period
Pholisma sonorae blooms Apr-May.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.2
How to tell it apart
vs Aphyllon: Aphyllon has tubular flowers on naked stalks; Pholisma has dense scale-covered mounds or shoots.; vs Cuscuta: Cuscuta forms orange thread-like tangles on other plants; Pholisma stands upright from the ground as thick fleshy stems.
Frequently asked questions
Is Pholisma sonorae native to California?
Yes. Pholisma sonorae is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Pholisma sonorae bloom?
Pholisma sonorae blooms Apr-May.
Where in California does Pholisma sonorae grow?
Pholisma sonorae occurs in Imperial, at elevations of < 200 m.
What plant family does Pholisma sonorae belong to?
Pholisma sonorae is in the Lennoaceae family, genus Pholisma.
Is Pholisma sonorae rare or endangered?
Pholisma sonorae carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.2, state rank S2.
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.