Monterey Spineflower
(Chorizanthe pungens var. pungens )
Polygonaceae

Photo Copyright 1990 Dean Wm. Taylor

Description: Annual herb, with grayish or reddish stems, soft and hairy, and 2 - 20 inches (5-50cm) long. Leaves basal, oblanceolate, and 3/16 - 2 3/4 inches (5-70mm) long. The inflorescence has 6 white to purple bracts, with hooked awns. The perianth is white to rose colored, hairy, 1/8 inch (2-3.5mm) long, and its lobes are slightly jagged at the end. The fruit is a red-brown, narrow achene, 1/16 inch (about 2mm) long.  

Distribution:

Habitat: Sandy places near the coast. Elevation 9.6 - 1440 feet.

Flowering Period: Blooms April - June.

Similar Plants:

Status: Federal Threatened, California Native Plant Society List 1B