No images found for this plant ID: 10153.
Ensure images are uploaded to the Media Library and tagged with "10153" in the "plant_image_tag" taxonomy.
prostrate spineflower
Scientific Name: Chorizanthe procumbens
Family: Polygonaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Annual
Other Names:
Prostrate Spineflower (Chorizanthe procumbens)
Chorizanthe procumbens, commonly known as Prostrate Spineflower, is a low-growing plant found in specific regions of North and South America. Belonging to the buckwheat family, it exhibits characteristics that are important to consider when it comes to safety around children and pets.
Considerations for Pets
- The plant is referred to as a "spineflower," implying the presence of spines, which could pose a physical hazard to pets.
Considerations for Children
- The plant is referred to as a "spineflower," implying the presence of spines, which could pose a physical hazard to children.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Chorizanthe procumbens Nutt.
- Common Names: Prostrate Spineflower
- Family: Polygonaceae (Buckwheat Family)
- Synonyms: Prostrate Turkish-rugging, Prostrate Chorizanthe
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to California and Baja California, specifically Southern California near Valley Center.
- Also found in western North America and South America.
- Grows in chaparral habitat and is an early dune colonizer.
Morphological Characteristics
- Annual herb with a prostrate (lying flat on the ground) growth habit.
- Typically less than 1.5 dm tall, though inland plants can be suberect and less than 2.5 dm tall.
- The stem is soft, hairy, and often prostrate.
- Flowers are small (2-3 mm) without petals, hairy, and have 6 lobes that are white or yellow. They lack fringed edges.
- Possesses 9 stamens that are fused and hairy at the base.
Ecological Role
- San Francisco Spineflower is an early dune colonizer, dependent on having open sandy habitat for establishment.