Bloomeria humilis
Dwarf goldenstar
(c) Ken-ichi Ueda, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Themidaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.2
Bloomeria humilis (Dwarf goldenstar) is a native California herb in the Themidaceae family, recognized by clearly distinguished by dwarf stature and flower orientation.
Dwarf goldenstar is a rare (CNPS 1B.2) California native perennial found in the central Coast Ranges, specifically in southern Monterey and northern San Luis Obispo counties, growing in grassland and chaparral edge habitats on open ocean bluffs at elevations below 100 meters. Flowering in June, this plant produces yellow flowers with subtle brown-purple midveins, each perianth lobe gradually spreading and 7 to 11 millimeters long. Growing with a slender scape 5 to 10 centimeters tall, the plant emerges from a small cluster of 1 to 2 leaves that range from 5 to 30 centimeters in length and 3 to 15 millimeters wide. Its leaves are narrow and grasslike, emerging from the base of the plant in a delicate arrangement. The flower's distinctive features include parallel filaments and a nectar cup, with anthers precisely 1.5 to 1.8 millimeters long.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Co-occurs with 3 species; clearly distinguished by dwarf stature and flower orientation
Habitat and range
Habitat: Grassland/chaparral edges, open mesas on ocean bluffs
Elevation: < 100 m
California counties: San Luis Obispo
Bloom period
Bloomeria humilis blooms Jun.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.2
How to tell it apart
vs Triteleia: Bloomeria has golden spreading stars; Triteleia has tubular flowers in purple, blue, white, or pale yellow.; vs Primula: Bloomeria grows from bulbs with grass-like leaves; Primula has basal rosettes of broad leaves.; vs Muilla: Bloomeria flowers are golden yellow; Muilla flowers are white.; vs Androstephium: Bloomeria has spreading star petals; Androstephium has tubular flowers.; vs Brodiaea: Bloomeria has golden spreading stars; Brodiaea has purple tubular flowers.
Frequently asked questions
Is Bloomeria humilis native to California?
Yes. Bloomeria humilis is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Bloomeria humilis bloom?
Bloomeria humilis blooms Jun.
Where in California does Bloomeria humilis grow?
Bloomeria humilis occurs in San Luis Obispo, at elevations of < 100 m.
What plant family does Bloomeria humilis belong to?
Bloomeria humilis is in the Themidaceae family, genus Bloomeria.
Is Bloomeria humilis rare or endangered?
Bloomeria humilis carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.2, state rank S1.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
- Bloomeria sp. — Goldenstar
- Bloomeria clevelandii — San diego goldenstar
- Bloomeria crocea — Common goldenstar
- Bloomeria crocea var. aurea — Common goldenstar
- Bloomeria crocea var. crocea — Common goldenstar
- Bloomeria crocea var. montana — Mountain goldenstar
- Brodiaea appendiculata — Appendage brodiaea
- Brodiaea californica — California brodiaea
- Brodiaea coronaria — Garland brodiaea
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CNPS Rare Plant Inventory · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos · CDFW CNDDB
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.