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brittle spineflower

Scientific Name: Chorizanthe brevicornu

Family: Polygonaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Annual

Other Names:

       

Chorizanthe brevicornu: The Brittle Spineflower

Chorizanthe brevicornu, commonly known as the brittle spineflower, is a fascinating plant belonging to the buckwheat family (Polygonaceae).

Considerations for Pets

  • The common name, "brittle spineflower," and the plant's classification as a "spineflower" suggest the presence of spines, which could be a physical hazard for pets.

Considerations for Children

  • The common name, "brittle spineflower," and the plant's classification as a "spineflower" suggest the presence of spines, which could be a physical hazard for children.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Chorizanthe brevicornu Torr.
  • Family: Polygonaceae (Buckwheat Family)
  • Genus: Chorizanthe
  • Species: brevicornu
  • Rank: Species

Common Names

  • Brittle spineflower
  • Short-horn Spineflower
  • Sagebrush Chorizanthe

Subspecies and Varieties

  • Chorizanthe brevicornu var. brevicornu
  • Chorizanthe brevicornu var. spathulata
  • Chorizanthe brevicornu ssp. brevicornu

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to California and the Sonoran Desert.
  • Found in the Eldorado Mountains at elevations around 250 m (815 ft).

Morphological Characteristics

  • It is described as a forb/herb, a non-woody plant that is not a grass.
  • Height ranges from 2 to 12 inches.
  • Blooms from March to June.

Ecological Information

  • Found in various habitats like Plum Canyon Wash and Sagebrush areas.

Quirky Facts

  • One person described it as "the coolest" flower they had been documenting.

Further Information

  • Discover Life provides information on the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Chorizanthe brevicornu.
  • The USDA also has information available on this species.