SafePlants

Chorizanthe polygonoides: Knotweed Spineflower

Chorizanthe polygonoides, commonly known as knotweed spineflower, is a fascinating plant belonging to the buckwheat family.

Considerations for Pets

• The common name "spineflower" and the plant's scientific name suggest the presence of spines.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Chorizanthe polygonoides Torr. &amp A. Gray
• Common Name: Knotweed spineflower
• Family: Polygonaceae (Buckwheat family or Knotweed family)
• Synonyms: Acanthogonum polygonoides (Torrey &amp A. Gray) Goodman
• Varieties:
  • Chorizanthe polygonoides var. polygonoides
  • Chorizanthe polygonoides var. longispina (Goodman) Munz

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to California.
• Found in western North America and South America.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Described as a forb/herb, which is a non-woody plant that is not a grass.
• Can be an annual or perennial herb.
• Medium in size.
• In summer, it assumes a white coloring.
• Prefers a location with at least a few hours of direct sunlight daily.
• Some varieties are described as low-growing.

Ecological Role

• The Chorizanthe polygonoides var. longispina is noted as "problematic" in some areas. No specifics about the cause of this classification were given.

Related Species

• Other Chorizanthe species mentioned include:
  • Chorizanthe douglasii (Douglas' Spineflower)
  • Chorizanthe parryi (San Fernando Valley Spineflower)
  • Chorizanthe howellii (Mendocino Spineflower)
  • Chorizanthe leptotheca (Ramona Spineflower)
  • Chorizanthe procumbens (Prostrate Spineflower)
  • Chorizanthe orcuttiana (Orcutt's Spineflower)
  • Chorizanthe cuspidata var. marginata (San Francisco Spine-flower)
  • Chorizanthe rigida (Desert Spineflower)
  • Chorizanthe membranacea (Pink Spineflower)

Quirky Facts

• One reference mentions "Devil's Spineflower" in connection to Chorizanthe polygonoides var. polygonoides, creating an intriguing association.