Dichondra donelliana
California ponysfoot
(c) Jason Hollinger, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Convolvulaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Dichondra donelliana (California ponysfoot) is a native California herb in the Convolvulaceae family, recognized by yellow-brown hairs and flower size.
California ponysfoot is a native perennial found in northern coastal California, western Klamath Ranges, northern Sierra Nevada foothills, central coastal California, and San Francisco Bay Area in open slopes and moist fields at elevations below 425 meters. Flowering from March to June, this plant produces small white flowers less than 3 millimeters long. Growing with soft, dense yellow-brown hairs and low-spreading stems, it forms delicate ground cover. Its round to kidney-shaped leaves are 10 to 15 millimeters long and 15 to 25 millimeters wide, supported by petioles 2 to 4 centimeters in length. The plant creates soft, mat-like patches in moist, open habitats across its California ranges.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 2 sympatric species; distinguished by yellow-brown hairs and flower size
Habitat and range
Habitat: Uncommon. Open slopes, moist fields
Elevation: < 425 m
Bloom period
Dichondra donelliana blooms Mar-Jun.
How to tell it apart
vs Claytonia: Claytonia leaves are spoon-shaped or linear, not kidney-shaped with central notch like Dichondra.; vs Viola: Viola has heart-shaped leaves with pointed tips; Dichondra leaves are perfectly round with deep notch.; vs Cardamine: Cardamine has divided or lobed leaves; Dichondra leaves are simple, kidney-shaped, unlobed.; vs Trifolium: Trifolium has three leaflets per leaf; Dichondra has single kidney-shaped leaves.; vs Calystegia: Calystegia climbs or trails with large flowers; Dichondra forms ground mats with tiny hidden flowers.
Frequently asked questions
Is Dichondra donelliana native to California?
Yes. Dichondra donelliana is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Dichondra donelliana bloom?
Dichondra donelliana blooms Mar-Jun.
What plant family does Dichondra donelliana belong to?
Dichondra donelliana is in the Convolvulaceae family, genus Dichondra.
What habitat does Dichondra donelliana grow in?
Dichondra donelliana grows in Uncommon. Open slopes, moist fields.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.