Proboscidea althaeifolia is a perennial herb that is native to California, and also found in Baja California; Sonora, Mexico and Arizona.
California Rare Plant Rank: 4.3 (limited distribution).
[Wikipedia] Seed Description, Native American Use: The fruit is a large seed pod many centimeters long, a cylindrical body tapering into a very long, thin, curving tail. As the fruit dries the tail cracks open and splits into two hooked, claw-like halves. These hard, dry fruits were used as tools by local Native Americans. (link added by Mary Ann Machi)
Calflora:
Information on California plants for education, research and conservation,
with data contributed by
public and private institutions and individuals.
[web application]. 2025.The Calflora Database
[a non-profit organization].Available:
https://www.calflora.org/(Accessed: 03/28/2025).
one or more occurrences