SafePlants

Chorizanthe breweri: San Luis Obispo Spineflower

Chorizanthe breweri, commonly known as the San Luis Obispo spineflower or Brewer's spineflower, is a rare species of flowering plant belonging to the buckwheat family (Polygonaceae).

Considerations for Pets

• As the common name suggests, this plant is a "spineflower". The presence of spines could pose a potential hazard.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Chorizanthe breweri S. Watson
• Common Names: San Luis Obispo spineflower, Brewer's spineflower
• Family: Polygonaceae (Buckwheat Family)
• Synonyms: None explicitly mentioned, but it's worth noting the frequent association with "Brewer's Spineflower" and "San Luis Obispo spineflower" in scientific literature.

Distribution and Habitat

• Chorizanthe breweri is endemic to California, particularly the central coast.
• It is known to occur in San Luis Obispo County and historically in Monterey County (possibly extirpated there).
• Specific locations mentioned include Tierra Redonda Mountain (northwestern San Luis Obispo County) and Cuesta Ridge (north of San Luis Obispo).

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Chorizanthe breweri is classified as a forb/herb, which means it's a non-woody plant that is not a grass.
• It is an annual plant.

Related Species

• The text mentions other Chorizanthe species, including:
  • Chorizanthe brevicornu (brittle spineflower)
  • Chorizanthe californica
  • Chorizanthe cuspidata (San Francisco spineflower)
  • Chorizanthe angustifolia (narrowleaf spineflower)
  • Chorizanthe corrugata (wrinkled spineflower)
  • Chorizanthe ventricosa (Priest Valley spineflower)

Further Information

• USDA PLANTS database
• Dave's Garden
• Discover Life
• California Native Plant Society (CNPS)
• Garden Guides
• MyTreeDB