SafePlants

No images found for this plant ID: 10108.

Ensure images are uploaded to the Media Library and tagged with "10108" in the "plant_image_tag" taxonomy.

Safe for Children?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

Safe for Dogs?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

Safe for Cats?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

Safe for Reptiles?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

San Fernando Valley spineflower

Scientific Name: Chorizanthe parryi var. fernandina

Family: Polygonaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Annual

Other Names:

       

San Fernando Valley Spineflower

The San Fernando Valley spineflower (Chorizanthe parryi var. fernandina) is an annual herb endemic to Southern California. It belongs to the Buckwheat family (Polygonaceae).

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

  • Scientific Name: Chorizanthe parryi S. Watson var. fernandina (S. Watson) Jepson
  • Common Name: San Fernando Valley spineflower
  • Family: Polygonaceae (Buckwheat Family)
  • Synonyms/Alternative Names: None explicitly stated in the text.

Distribution and Habitat

This plant is found in Southern California, specifically in the San Fernando Valley and Ventura County. The text mentions its discovery on the Ahmanson Ranch project site.

Ecological Role

The San Fernando Valley spineflower is of conservation concern, and its reproductive biology is being investigated, including pollination interactions. It is listed as an endangered species by the State of California and has been considered for federal listing under the ESA.

The destruction of about one quarter of the San Fernando Valley spineflower population has occurred.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • The San Fernando Valley spineflower is described as an annual herb.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Invertebrates visit the flowers, with many exhibiting constancy.
  • Ants are known to pollinate the San Fernando Valley spineflower.

Further Information

  • BISON Web Link: http://bison.usgs.ornl.gov/api/scientificName/Chorizanthe%20parryi%20var.%20fernandina
  • ITIS Web Link: Not specified, but mentioned as existing.
  • California Native Plant Society: Provides information and photos of the plant.
  • Encyclopedia of Life: Contains articles about the San Fernando Valley spineflower.
  • Dave's Garden: Website for sharing tips and ideas for gardens, along with seeds and plants
References
  • Department of Biological Science, California State University, Fullerton
  • Land Management Plan for the Carrizo Plain Ecological Reserve (California)

Quirky Facts

  • One author describes it as an "ugly dime-sized weed."
  • The plant was once believed to be extinct.