Lappula redowskii
Redowski's stickseed
(c) Andrey Zharkikh, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Boraginaceae · Type: Annual · Native
Lappula redowskii (Redowski's stickseed) is a native California annual in the Boraginaceae family, recognized by Native GB/desert stickseed; nutlet marginal prickles in 1 row; calyx erect in fruit (vs waif L. squarrosa: spreading calyx).
Redowski's stickseed is a California native annual found in dry, open habitats across various western bioregions. Flowering from May to July, this small plant produces delicate white to occasionally blue flowers less than 3 millimeters in diameter. Growing with slender stems 5 to 35 centimeters tall, it develops linear to lance-shaped leaves 1 to 4 centimeters long. Its distinctive fruits have nutlets 2 to 3 millimeters long with marginal prickles arranged in a single row. The plant's tiny white blossoms and spiny seed clusters make it a subtle but intriguing member of California's wildflower communities.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Native GB/desert stickseed; nutlet marginal prickles in 1 row; calyx erect in fruit (vs waif L. squarrosa: spreading calyx)
Habitat and range
California counties: San Bernardino, Mono, Inyo, Modoc, Lassen
How to tell it apart
vs Cryptantha: Lappula seeds have marginal barbs; Cryptantha seeds are smooth without hooks.; vs Pectocarya: Both have barbed seeds, but Lappula seeds sit in deep cups; Pectocarya seeds are flat combseeds.; vs Plagiobothrys: Lappula seeds have hooked barbs on margins; Plagiobothrys seeds are smooth-edged.; vs Amsinckia: Lappula has tiny white flowers and barbed seeds; Amsinckia has orange-yellow flowers and smooth seeds.; vs Hackelia: Lappula fruit stalks stay upright; Hackelia stalks curve downward in fruit.
Frequently asked questions
Is Lappula redowskii native to California?
Yes. Lappula redowskii is native to California (recorded as native).
Where in California does Lappula redowskii grow?
Lappula redowskii occurs in San Bernardino, Mono, Inyo, Modoc, Lassen.
What plant family does Lappula redowskii belong to?
Lappula redowskii is in the Boraginaceae family, genus Lappula.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-06
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.