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Description
Chorizanthe Valida, commonly known as the Spiny Spineflower or the South Coast spineflower, is a species of flowering plant endemic to California. It is a member of the Polygonaceae family and is a small annual herb that grows up to 30 cm tall. The plant gets its name from the spiny appearance of its stem and leaves.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Polygonaceae |
| Genus | Chorizanthe |
Appearance
The Spiny Spineflower has a small, compact structure with an upright stem that is covered in spiny, hairy leaves. The leaves are narrow and lance-shaped, with a gray-green color. The flowers are small and white, blooming between June and August. The plant’s seeds are dark and shiny.
Care Guide
The Chorizanthe Valida can be grown in full sun to partial shade and requires well-draining soil. It can tolerate drought conditions but needs regular watering during the growing season. Fertilization is not necessary, but a light application of balanced fertilizer can help promote growth. The plant is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Spiny Spineflower is generally not susceptible to pests or diseases. However, it can be affected by root rot if grown in poorly draining soil. Overwatering can also lead to fungal diseases.
Habitat
The Chorizanthe Valida is native to California and can be found in dry, sandy soil in coastal sage scrub and chaparral habitats. It is often found growing alongside other native plants such as California sagebrush and black sage.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Spiny Spineflower a threatened species?
A: Yes, the Chorizanthe Valida is listed as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act.
Q: Can the Spiny Spineflower be grown in a container?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown in a container as long as it has well-draining soil and receives adequate sunlight.
Q: How often should the Spiny Spineflower be watered?
A: The plant can tolerate drought conditions, but it should be watered regularly during the growing season. Watering frequency will vary depending on the climate and soil conditions.
Q: Can the Spiny Spineflower be propagated by seed?
A: Yes, the plant can be propagated by seed. The seeds should be collected when they are mature and sown in well-draining soil.
Related Plants
- Chorizanthe pungens
- Chorizanthe polygonoides
- Chorizanthe parryi
- Chorizanthe rigida
References
- California Native Plant Society. (n.d.). Chorizanthe valida. Retrieved from https://www.calscape.org/Chorizanthe-valida-()
- United States Department of Agriculture. (n.d.). Plants Profile for Chorizanthe valida. Retrieved from https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=CHVA9
- United States Fish and Wildlife Service. (2010). South Coast Spineflower (Chorizanthe valida) 5-Year Review: Summary and Evaluation. Retrieved from https://ecos.fws.gov/docs/five_year_review/doc3763.pdf
