Limnanthes douglasii subsp. douglasii
Photo: parent species Limnanthes douglasii · no rights reserved · CC0
Family: Limnanthaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.1
Limnanthes douglasii subsp. douglasii is a native California herb in the Limnanthaceae family, recognized by distinctive yellow petals with white tips.
Douglas' meadowfoam is a rare (CNPS 1B.1) California native annual found in northern coastal, coastal, and San Francisco Bay Area regions in wet meadows at elevations below 700 meters. Flowering from March to May, this plant produces striking yellow flowers with white-tipped petals that have a distinctive cup or bell-shaped form. Growing 10 to 30 centimeters tall with delicate, spreading stems, it forms low, sprawling patches across moist landscapes. Its leaves are composed of ovate leaflets that can be entire or irregularly toothed, creating a soft, intricate green texture. The fruit develops distinctive mericarps with ridge-like tubercles, adding to the plant's unique botanical character.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 7 sympatric species; distinctive yellow petals with white tips
Habitat and range
Habitat: Wet meadows
Elevation: < 700 m
California counties: San Mateo, Mendocino, Sonoma, San Luis Obispo, Marin, Solano, Monterey, Fresno, Santa Clara, Napa, San Benito, Humboldt, Lake, Butte, Calaveras, Madera, Mariposa, Tulare, Merced, Contra Costa, Alameda, Glenn
Outside California: southwestern Oregon
Bloom period
Limnanthes douglasii subsp. douglasii blooms Mar-May.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.1
How to tell it apart
vs Cerastium: Limnanthes has jagged petal tips and entire leaves; Cerastium has deeply notched petals.; vs Layia: Limnanthes has separate 4-5 petals in a simple flower; Layia is a composite with many ray flowers.; vs Sabulina: Limnanthes has pinnately divided fern-like leaves; Sabulina has simple narrow leaves.; vs Nemophila: Limnanthes has 4 petals with jagged tips; Nemophila has 5 petals with smooth edges.; vs Sidalcea: Limnanthes has 4-5 petals and pinnate leaves; Sidalcea has 5 petals and palmately lobed leaves.
Frequently asked questions
Is Limnanthes douglasii subsp. douglasii native to California?
Yes. Limnanthes douglasii subsp. douglasii is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Limnanthes douglasii subsp. douglasii bloom?
Limnanthes douglasii subsp. douglasii blooms Mar-May.
Where in California does Limnanthes douglasii subsp. douglasii grow?
Limnanthes douglasii subsp. douglasii occurs in San Mateo, Mendocino, Sonoma, San Luis Obispo, Marin, Solano, Monterey, Fresno and other counties, at elevations of < 700 m.
What plant family does Limnanthes douglasii subsp. douglasii belong to?
Limnanthes douglasii subsp. douglasii is in the Limnanthaceae family, genus Limnanthes.
Is Limnanthes douglasii subsp. douglasii rare or endangered?
Limnanthes douglasii subsp. douglasii carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.1, state rank S1.
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.