Cleomella californica
Family: Cleomaceae · Type: Annual · Native
Cleomella californica is a native California annual in the Cleomaceae family, recognized by unique nutlet fruits distinguish from capsule-bearing species.
California cleomella is a California native annual found in the San Joaquin Valley in sandy washes, weedy roadsides, and fields at elevations below 125 meters. Flowering from July to November, this plant produces yellow flowers 2.5 to 5 millimeters long with elliptic petals. Growing up to 2.4 meters tall with much-branched green to tan stems, it forms a sprawling, open structure. Its leaves are compound with three leaflets, each ovate to obovate and 4 to 20 millimeters long, approximately twice as long as wide. The plant produces small fruits containing two nutlets, each 1.5 to 3.5 millimeters in size.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 3 sympatric species; unique nutlet fruits distinguish from capsule-bearing species
Habitat and range
Habitat: Sandy washes, weedy roadsides, fields
Elevation: < 125 m
California counties: Fresno, Kern, Tulare, Merced, San Joaquin, Madera, Stanislaus, Sacramento
Bloom period
Cleomella californica blooms Jul-Nov.
How to tell it apart
vs Physaria: Physaria has inflated bladder-like pods and 4 petals; Cleomella has small flat round capsules and variable petals.; vs Astragalus: Astragalus has compound leaves and pea-shaped flowers; Cleomella has palmately divided leaves and regular flowers.; vs Sesbania: Sesbania has pinnately compound leaves and large pea flowers; Cleomella has palmate leaves and small regular flowers.; vs Atriplex: Atriplex has tiny greenish flowers and simple leaves; Cleomella has showy flowers and palmately divided leaves.; vs Isocoma: Isocoma has yellow composite flower heads; Cleomella has individual flowers with separate petals and prominent stamens.
Frequently asked questions
Is Cleomella californica native to California?
Yes. Cleomella californica is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Cleomella californica bloom?
Cleomella californica blooms Jul-Nov.
Where in California does Cleomella californica grow?
Cleomella californica occurs in Fresno, Kern, Tulare, Merced, San Joaquin, Madera, Stanislaus, Sacramento, at elevations of < 125 m.
What plant family does Cleomella californica belong to?
Cleomella californica is in the Cleomaceae family, genus Cleomella.
What habitat does Cleomella californica grow in?
Cleomella californica grows in Sandy washes, weedy roadsides, fields.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-09-30
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.