Plant Data

Names and Taxonomy

  • Common Names: devil's spineflower, rigid spineflower, spiny-herb, rigid spiny-herb
  • Synonyms:
  • Family: Polygonaceae (Buckwheat)
  • Genus Information: 4 species in NV and AZ, 33 in CA, 33 in US

Habit and Size

  • Duration: annual
  • Habit: forb-herb
  • Shape: upright
  • Size: 2.5–6.0 inches (1–2 cm)
  • Stem: green

Leaves

  • Color: green and hairy on top, white below
  • Shape: obvate
  • Edge: smooth
  • Arrangement: rosette
  • Leaf Retention: deciduous, dries to a stiff skeleton

Flowers and Fruit

  • Sex: monoecious
  • Flower Color: yellow
  • Flower Size:
  • Number of Petals: many
  • Bloom: Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun
  • Fruit: achene

Habitat and Growing Conditions

  • Water Use: moderate
  • Light: full sun
  • Soil: well drained
  • Habitat: bajadas (washes), flat mesas, and rocky hillsides

Distribution

  • Distribution: AZ, CA, NV, UT
  • Seen: Corn Creek, NV
  • Elevation: 200-6230 feet (60-1900 m)

Photographs

Devil's Spineflower (Chorizanthe rigida)

Leaves, Corn Creek, NV

Devil's Spineflower (Chorizanthe rigida)

Flowers, Corn Creek, NV

Devil's Spineflower (Chorizanthe rigida)

Flowers, Corn Creek, NV