About Chorizanthe cuspidata S.Watson
Chorizanthe cuspidata is a low-growing plant that spreads flat along the ground, with stems that can reach up to around half a meter in length. Its leaves grow near the base of the stem, are generally oval-shaped, and can grow up to 5 centimeters long. The leafy above-ground parts of the plant have a hairy to woolly texture, and range in color from green to reddish. Its inflorescence forms a dense cluster of cylindrical flowers. Each flower is bordered by white or pink bracts that have hooked or straight spines at their tips. The flower itself is 2 to 3 millimeters long, white or pink, and hairy. The tiny tepals are lobed; the central lobe is the longest, and ends in a sharp point. There are two recognized varieties of this species. Chorizanthe cuspidata var. cuspidata is quite rare, because most of its Bay Area habitat has been lost to development. Chorizanthe cuspidata var. villosa occurs in the protected habitat of Point Reyes National Seashore.
