Emmenanthe rosea
Pink whispering bells
(c) Trevor Van Loon, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Hydrophyllaceae · Type: Annual · Native
Emmenanthe rosea (Pink whispering bells) is a native California annual in the Hydrophyllaceae family, recognized by . Distinguished by coastal distribution, pink glands, and white-pink flowers.
Pink whispering bells is a California native annual found in San Francisco Bay Area, south-central coastal ranges, and northern western Transverse Ranges near Mount Pinos in talus slopes, rocky, sandy, and serpentine soils at elevations of 400 to 1,800 meters. Flowering from April to June, this delicate plant produces white to pink flowers that fade to off-white or dark pink, with blossoms 8 to 12 millimeters long arranged in small clusters. Growing 4 to 25 centimeters tall with red-green stems that are minimally branched, it has a slender and compact form. Its leaves are 1 to 6 centimeters long and 1 to 2 centimeters wide, displaying rich red or dark blue-green coloration. The fruit is an ovoid capsule 6 to 12 millimeters long, containing 6 to 12 seeds.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Geographically isolated with 0 sympatric species. Distinguished by coastal distribution, pink glands, and white-pink flowers.
Habitat and range
Habitat: Talus slopes, rocky, sandy, or serpentine soils, generally after fire
Elevation: 400-1800 m
California counties: Ventura, Santa Clara, Monterey, San Benito, Fresno, Merced, Stanislaus
Bloom period
Emmenanthe rosea blooms Apr-Jun.
How to tell it apart
vs Mentzelia: Emmenanthe has drooping bell flowers; Mentzelia has upward-facing star-shaped flowers with many stamens and sandpapery leaves.; vs Phacelia: Emmenanthe flowers droop downward and become papery; Phacelia flowers spread outward in coiled clusters and fall off cleanly.; vs Eucrypta: Emmenanthe has pendulous bell flowers that become papery; Eucrypta has spreading small flowers and very sticky foliage.; vs Mirabilis: Emmenanthe has small 5-petaled bells on delicate stems; Mirabilis has larger tubular flowers with no petals and opposite leaves.; vs Fritillaria: Emmenanthe is a soft annual herb; Fritillaria is a bulb plant with stiff upright stems and checkerboard-patterned bell flowers.
Frequently asked questions
Is Emmenanthe rosea native to California?
Yes. Emmenanthe rosea is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Emmenanthe rosea bloom?
Emmenanthe rosea blooms Apr-Jun.
Where in California does Emmenanthe rosea grow?
Emmenanthe rosea occurs in Ventura, Santa Clara, Monterey, San Benito, Fresno, Merced, Stanislaus, at elevations of 400-1800 m.
What plant family does Emmenanthe rosea belong to?
Emmenanthe rosea is in the Hydrophyllaceae family, genus Emmenanthe.
What habitat does Emmenanthe rosea grow in?
Emmenanthe rosea grows in Talus slopes, rocky, sandy, or serpentine soils, generally after fire.
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.