Glehnia littoralis subsp. leiocarpa
American glehnia, American Glehnia
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Family: Apiaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 4.2
Glehnia littoralis subsp. leiocarpa (American glehnia) is a native California herb in the Apiaceae family, recognized by Only Glehnia species in California, northern Pacific coast endemic.
American glehnia is a California native perennial found in the northern coastal bioregion on ocean beaches at sea level. Flowering from May to June, this plant produces white flowers in compound umbels with widely lanceolate petals. Growing as a low, prostrate herb with a taproot, it spreads horizontally across sandy coastal environments. Its fleshy leaves are broadly ovate, 2.5 to 15 centimeters wide, with ternate or ternate-pinnate structure featuring leaflets that are often three-lobed and serrated. The distinctive fruit is 4 to 12 millimeters long, with conspicuously corky-winged ribs that help distinguish this unique coastal plant.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Only Glehnia species in California, northern Pacific coast endemic
Habitat and range
Habitat: Ocean beaches
Elevation: +- 0 m.
California counties: Humboldt, Mendocino, San Mateo, Marin, Del Norte
Outside California: to Alaska
Bloom period
Glehnia littoralis subsp. leiocarpa blooms May-Jun.
Conservation status
CNPS 4.2
How to tell it apart
vs Angelica: Glehnia hugs the beach sand while Angelica stands tall and upright.; vs Ligusticum: Glehnia grows only on ocean beaches; Ligusticum is found inland in mountains.; vs Sphenosciadium: Glehnia is prostrate on beaches; Sphenosciadium stands upright in wet meadows.; vs Cymopterus: Glehnia restricted to coastal beaches; Cymopterus grows in interior dry areas.
Frequently asked questions
Is Glehnia littoralis subsp. leiocarpa native to California?
Yes. Glehnia littoralis subsp. leiocarpa is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Glehnia littoralis subsp. leiocarpa bloom?
Glehnia littoralis subsp. leiocarpa blooms May-Jun.
Where in California does Glehnia littoralis subsp. leiocarpa grow?
Glehnia littoralis subsp. leiocarpa occurs in Humboldt, Mendocino, San Mateo, Marin, Del Norte, at elevations of +- 0 m..
What plant family does Glehnia littoralis subsp. leiocarpa belong to?
Glehnia littoralis subsp. leiocarpa is in the Apiaceae family, genus Glehnia.
Is Glehnia littoralis subsp. leiocarpa rare or endangered?
Glehnia littoralis subsp. leiocarpa carries California Rare Plant Rank 4.2, state rank S2S3.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
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.