July Gold
(Dedeckera eurekensis )
Polygonaceae

Photo Copyright Gary A. Monroe. Mineral Co.

Description: Shrub .6 - 3.3 feet (2-10dm) tall, 1.6 - 6.6 feet (5-20dm) wide. Leaves reversed spear-shaped, 1/4 - 5/8 inches (7-15mm) long, on a leaf stem 1/16 - 3/16 inches (2-5mm) long. Inflorescence 3/8 - 3 1/8 inches (1-8cm) long, with 2-5 bracts per node. Most nodes have 1 or more flowers without stems, and 1 or more branches. Flowers are about 1/8 inch (2-4mm) long, yellow, and with 6 lobes. Fruit is light reddish brown with very small hairs at tip, and 1/8 inch (2-3.5mm)long. 

Distribution: Inyo County, CA; White, Inyo and Panamint Mountains

Habitat: Mojave mixed desert shrub and shadscale scrub communities on north facing limestone slopes and canyons at elevations of 3500-7000 feet (1200-2300 m).

Flowering Period: July-August

Similar Plants: Dedeckera eurekensisis a shrub, height 2-10 dm. It is most easily distinguished by presence of the solitary, short pedicellate flower found at the base of the peduncle.

Status: California State Rare, California Native Plant Society List 1B