Systenotheca vortriedei
Vortriede's spineflower
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Family: Polygonaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 4.3
Systenotheca vortriedei (Vortriede's spineflower) is a native California herb in the Polygonaceae family, recognized by Monotypic genus segregated from Chorizanthe, endemic to central California coast ranges.
Vortriede's spineflower is a California native annual found in the Santa Lucia Range of Monterey and Santa Luis Obispo counties in sandy habitats at elevations of 700 to 1,500 meters. Flowering from May to July, this delicate plant produces white to pink or rose-colored flowers in small, 4-angled involucres about 2.5 to 4 millimeters long. Growing with a spreading habit, the plant reaches 2 to 15 centimeters in diameter, featuring glandular stems that sprawl across the sandy ground. Its basal leaves are relatively large, measuring 1 to 5 centimeters long and 0.5 to 1 centimeter wide, spreading outward from the plant's base. The fruit is small, 2 to 2.5 millimeters long, turning from brown to black as it matures.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Monotypic genus segregated from Chorizanthe, endemic to central California coast ranges
Habitat and range
Habitat: Sand
Elevation: 700-1500 m
California counties: San Luis Obispo, Monterey
Bloom period
Systenotheca vortriedei blooms May-Jul.
Conservation status
CNPS 4.3
How to tell it apart
vs Chorizanthe: Systenotheca has smooth bumpy flowers and no basal spines; most Chorizanthe have hairy flowers and/or basal spines.; vs Dodecahema: Systenotheca has no basal spines; Dodecahema has 6 prominent basal spines.; vs Centrostegia: Systenotheca has no basal spines; Centrostegia has 3 prominent basal spines.; vs Mucronea: Systenotheca has smooth bumpy flowers and hidden bracts; Mucronea has hairy flowers and obvious bracts.; vs Aristocapsa: Systenotheca has equal-sized rim teeth and 3 flowers per cup; Aristocapsa has 5 awned teeth and 4 flowers per cup.
Frequently asked questions
Is Systenotheca vortriedei native to California?
Yes. Systenotheca vortriedei is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Systenotheca vortriedei bloom?
Systenotheca vortriedei blooms May-Jul.
Where in California does Systenotheca vortriedei grow?
Systenotheca vortriedei occurs in San Luis Obispo, Monterey, at elevations of 700-1500 m.
What plant family does Systenotheca vortriedei belong to?
Systenotheca vortriedei is in the Polygonaceae family, genus Systenotheca.
Is Systenotheca vortriedei rare or endangered?
Systenotheca vortriedei carries California Rare Plant Rank 4.3, state rank S3.
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.