Taxon Report

Spermolepis lateriflora G.L. Nesom

western bristly scaleseed

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Taxon Summary

Spermolepis lateriflora, commonly known as western bristly scaleseed, is a annual herb in the Apiaceae that is found in California and elsewhere. It occurs within Sonoran desert scrub, growing at elevations from 365 to 670 meters. Spermolepis lateriflora is ranked 2A, Plants Presumed Extirpated in California, But More Common Elsewhere.


  Classification

Scientific Name:
Spermolepis lateriflora G.L. Nesom
Common Name:
western bristly scaleseed
Family: Apiaceae
Element Code: PDAPI23080
USDA Plants Symbol:
Synonyms/Other Names:

Ecology and Life History

Lifeform: annual herb
Blooming Period: Mar-Apr Mar-Apr
Elevation: 365-670 (1200-2200)
General Habitats: Sonoran desert scrub
Microhabitat: Rocky (sometimes), Sandy (sometimes)
Microhabitat Details:

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
California Endemic:  False
California Counties and Islands: Name (Code)
Los Angeles (LAX), San Diego (SDG)
Quads: Name (Quad Code)
Agua Caliente Springs (3211683), Burbank (3411823), Earthquake Valley (3311614), Tubb Canyon (3311624)?

Notes

Last seen in CA in 1952 from the San Felipe Creek area in SDG Co. Suitable habitat exists, but recent field surveys unsuccessful. 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. infernensis.
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 3 March 2025].