Status:
Federal: Category 2
State: None
California Native Plant Society: List 1B, R-E-D Code 2-2-3 (see below)

2. Occurrence confined to several populations or to one extended population.
2. Endangered in a portion of its range.
3. Endemic to California

Family: Buckwheat (Polygonaceae)

Habitat: Sandy soil and dunes below 100 feet in elevation. Occurs in open areas in coastal strand and coastal scrub communities. This species is found in open sandy areas on the Presidio and at Fort Funston. On the Presidio, it is found throughout the inland sand dune areas.

General Distribution: Coastal areas from Sonoma County to San Mateo County; may occur in Santa Clara County.

Description: This annual species has small, hairy, white to rose colored flowers. The stem is soft and hairy, pinkish in color, and often prostrate. The spineflower is an early dune colonizer, dependent upon having open sandy habitat for establishment. Blooming time is from April to July.

Monitoring and Activities: Over the last few years, dune areas around Crissy Field, at Lobos Creek Valley, and at Feral Dunes above Baker Beach were seeded with spineflower. Populations are stable.