Armeria maritima subsp. californica
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Family: Plumbaginaceae · Type: Subshrub · Native
Armeria maritima subsp. californica is a native California subshrub in the Plumbaginaceae family, recognized by Only Armeria and only Plumbaginaceae representative in CA - distinctive cushion growth form and papery flower heads adapted to coastal….
California sea thrift is a California native perennial found in northern Coast Ranges, central Coast Ranges, and northern Channel Islands on ocean bluffs, coastal strands, and exposed grasslands at elevations below 245 meters. Flowering from February to September, this plant produces delicate pink flowers in compact heads less than 2 centimeters wide. Growing with slender stems up to 60 centimeters tall, it forms dense tufted clumps characteristic of coastal environments. Its leaves are flat, glabrous, and narrow, measuring 6 to 12 centimeters long and only 1 to 2.5 millimeters wide. The flowers feature pink calyces with slightly hairy ribs and sharp-tipped lobes, creating a distinctive cushion-like appearance in coastal grassland habitats.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Only Armeria and only Plumbaginaceae representative in CA - distinctive cushion growth form and papery flower heads adapted to coastal maritime conditions
Habitat and range
Habitat: Ocean bluffs, ridges, coastal strand, sand, exposed grassland
Elevation: < 245 m
California counties: Humboldt, San Francisco, San Luis Obispo, Mendocino, Sonoma, Monterey, San Mateo, Marin, Del Norte, Santa Barbara, Santa Clara, Mariposa, Santa Cruz, San Diego, Los Angeles
Outside California: to British Columbia
Bloom period
Armeria maritima subsp. californica blooms Feb-Sep.
How to tell it apart
vs Eriogonum: Armeria has grass-like linear leaves; Eriogonum has broader leaves, often woolly.; vs Allium: Armeria lacks onion smell; Allium has strong onion/garlic odor when crushed.; vs Plantago: Armeria has showy colored pompom flowers; Plantago has tiny flowers on green/brown spikes.; vs Sixalix: Armeria flowers form smooth round pompoms; Sixalix has spiny, pincushion-like flower heads.; vs Dipterostemon: Armeria flowers are tiny in dense round heads; Dipterostemon has larger individual tubular flowers.
Frequently asked questions
Is Armeria maritima subsp. californica native to California?
Yes. Armeria maritima subsp. californica is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Armeria maritima subsp. californica bloom?
Armeria maritima subsp. californica blooms Feb-Sep.
Where in California does Armeria maritima subsp. californica grow?
Armeria maritima subsp. californica occurs in Humboldt, San Francisco, San Luis Obispo, Mendocino, Sonoma, Monterey, San Mateo, Marin and other counties, at elevations of < 245 m.
What plant family does Armeria maritima subsp. californica belong to?
Armeria maritima subsp. californica is in the Plumbaginaceae family, genus Armeria.
What habitat does Armeria maritima subsp. californica grow in?
Armeria maritima subsp. californica grows in Ocean bluffs, ridges, coastal strand, sand, exposed grassland.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.