Orcutt Spineflower
(Chorizanthe orcuttiana )
Polygonaceae

No image available.

Description: Annual herb. Branched from base with stems lying flat on the ground, somewhat hairy, yellowish, and 1 1/8 - 4 inches (3-10cm) long. Leaves 2 - 6 inches (5-15mm) long near the base of the plant, narrowly reversed spear-shaped, with a 3/8 - 1 1/8 inch (1-3cm) long, thinly-hairy leaf stalk. Inflorescence is a cyme. The involucre has 3 bracts which are thick, spread outward, and are hooked at the end. The combined petals and sepals are 1/16 inch (1.5-1.8mm) long, yellow, and densely hairy. Flower contains 9 stamens.

Distribution:

Habitat: Sandy places, coastal sage scrub, closed-cone coniferous forest. Elevation 10 - 400 feet.

Flowering Period: Blooms March - May.

Similar Plants:

Status: Federal Endangered, California State Endangered, California Native Plant Society List 1B