Taxon Report

Spermolepis infernensis G.L. Nesom

Hellhole scaleseed

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Taxon Summary

Spermolepis infernensis, commonly known as Hellhole scaleseed, is a annual herb in the Apiaceae that is found only in California. It occurs within Sonoran desert scrub, growing at elevations from 230 to 670 meters. Spermolepis infernensis is ranked 1B.2, Plants Rare, Threatened or Endangered in California and Elsewhere; Moderately threatened in California.

Classification


Scientific Name:	Spermolepis infernensis G.L. Nesom
Common Name:	Hellhole scaleseed
Family:	Apiaceae
Element Code:	PDAPI23070
USDA Plants Symbol:
Synonyms/Other Names:

Ecology and Life History


Lifeform:	annual herb
Blooming Period: Mar-Apr	Mar-Apr
Elevation:	230-670 (755-2200)
General Habitats:	Sonoran desert scrub
Microhabitat:	Rocky (sometimes), Sandy (sometimes)
Microhabitat Details:

Conservation Status


CA Rare Plant Rank:	1B.2
Global Rank:	G1
State Rank:	S1
State List:	None
Fed List:	None
Other Status:	SB_CalBG/RSABG
CRPR Changes:	added to 1B.2 on 2016-01-21

Occurrence Data from the CNDDB


Total Occurrences:	4
Element Occurrence Ranks:
Excellent (A)	0
Good (B)	0
Fair (C)	0
Poor (D)	0
None (X)	0
Unknown (U)	4

Location


California Endemic: True
California Counties and Islands: Name (Code)
San Diego (SDG)
Quads: Name (Quad Code)
Borrego Palm Canyon (3311634), Borrego Sink (3311623), Tubb Canyon (3311624)

Threat List Data from the CNDDB


Threat List Total:	0
EOs with Threat Listed:	Total EOs	% of EOs
	0	%

Notes



Previously included within S. echinata; see this taxon in TJM (1993) and TJM 2. See Phytoneuron 2012-87 (2012) for original description and distinction from S. lateriflora.
Threats:

Taxonomy:

Selected References

CRPR List Addition on 2016-01-21

Citation California Native Plant Society, Rare Plant Program. 2025. Rare Plant Inventory (online edition, v9.5.1). Website https://www.rareplants.cnps.org [accessed 5 November 2025].