Slender-Horned Spineflower
(Dodecahema leptoceras )
Polygonaceae

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Description: Annual spreading herb. Leaves without stems coming from the base of the plant, 3/8 - 2 3/8 inches (10-60mm) long, without hairs, and narrow, reversed spear-shaped. Inflorescence is 4-20 inches (1-5dm) across. Involucre (group of small leaf structures) is 1/16 - 1/8 inch (2-4mm) wide, tubular with 6 lobes, and 6 awns both at the top and the bottom. Each involucre contains 3 flowers. The flower petals and sepals are white to pink, and hairy. The fruit is 1/16 inch (1.7-2mm) long, dark brown to black.

Distribution:

Habitat: Alluvial sand in coastal scrub, chaparral, and cismontane woodland. Elevation 640 - 2432 feet.

Flowering Period: Blooms April - June.

Similar Plants:

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