Mojave Spineflower
ExplorePlants
Mojave Spineflower
chorizanthe spinosa
The Mojave Spineflower (Chorizanthe spinosa) is a fascinating annual herb native to the arid expanses of the western Mojave Desert in California. This resilient plant has adapted to thrive in harsh, nutrient-poor sandy soils where temperatures fluctuate wildly. Growing low to the ground, it forms intricate mats that burst into subtle color during the fleeting desert spring. It plays an important role in the fragile desert ecosystem, stabilizing soil and providing nourishment to tiny pollinators. What makes this plant truly captivating is its defensive architecture. Covered in sharp, spiny bracts, it defends its precious water and reproductive organs against parched desert herbivores. Encountering a patch of Mojave Spineflowers in bloom is a rewarding experience, showcasing the incredible tenacity of desert life. Want to find and snap Mojave Spineflower yourself? Get the Snappit app.
Habitat: Found in sandy or gravelly soils within creosote bush scrub and Joshua tree woodlands of the Mojave Desert.
Appearance
This low-growing annual typically forms sprawling mats or small mounds about 5 to 25 centimeters in height. Its stems are heavily branched and covered in a network of fine, woolly hairs, giving them a grayish-green hue. The most distinguishing feature is the spiny whorl of bracts surrounding each flower cluster. The flowers themselves are tiny, white to pinkish, and tucked securely inside the sharp, three-angled spines. As the plant dries out in the summer heat, it turns a brittle, rusty-brown color while retaining its spiky shape.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderCaryophyllalesFamilyPolygonaceaeGenusChorizanthe
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
After the plant dies in the summer heat, its dry, spiky skeleton remains intact, continuing to protect the seeds inside from hungry seed-eaters.
The Mojave Spineflower's seeds are adapted to 'read' the weather, staying dormant for years until there is enough rain to guarantee survival.
This species is a true California native, naturally occurring only within a few specific counties in the western Mojave Desert.
Special abilities
Ability
Spiny Involucres
Sharp, needle-like spines encase the delicate flower clusters to deter desert herbivores and conserve moisture.
Ability
Drought-Induced Dormancy
Seeds can remain viable in the dry soil bank for years, germinating only when specific rainfall thresholds are met.
Ability
Hairy Epidermis
Dense, woolly hairs cover the stems and leaves, reflecting harsh sunlight and reducing water loss through transpiration.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 5-25 cm
- Lifespan
- up to 1 years
Diet & Feeding
As a photoautotrophic plant, the Mojave Spineflower synthesizes its own food using sunlight, carbon dioxide, water, and soil minerals.
Primary Foods
- Sunlight
- Carbon dioxide
- Water
- Soil minerals
Ecological connections
eaten by
Desert Tortoise
Gopherus agassizii
The Mojave spineflower can be grazed upon by desert tortoises and other desert herbivores.
competitor
Creosote Bush
Larrea tridentata
Competes for limited water resources and light in the sandy Mojave Desert soils.
eaten by
Harvester Ant
Pogonomyrmex rugosus
Harvester ants collect the seeds of the spineflower, sometimes aiding in seed dispersal.
Traits
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Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
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Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify Mojave Spineflower?
The easiest way to identify Mojave Spineflower is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How long is Mojave Spineflower?
5-25 cm
How long does Mojave Spineflower live?
up to 1 years
What does Mojave Spineflower eat?
As a photoautotrophic plant, the Mojave Spineflower synthesizes its own food using sunlight, carbon dioxide, water, and soil minerals.
Where is Mojave Spineflower usually found?
Found in sandy or gravelly soils within creosote bush scrub and Joshua tree woodlands of the Mojave Desert.
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