Limnanthes douglasii subsp. nivea
Photo: parent species Limnanthes douglasii · no rights reserved · CC0
Family: Limnanthaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Limnanthes douglasii subsp. nivea is a native California herb in the Limnanthaceae family, recognized by white petals distinguishable from alba by drying pattern.
Douglas's meadowfoam is a California native annual found in northern coastal, Sacramento Valley, San Francisco Bay, and southern coastal ranges, particularly in Butte County, in wet meadows, vernal pool edges, and ephemeral streams at elevations below 1,000 meters. Flowering from March to May, this delicate plant produces pristine white flowers with subtle purple vein highlights and cream to yellow anthers. Growing in low, spreading clusters with fine, delicate stems, it forms soft ground-covering mats. Its leaves feature distinctive linear to ovate leaflets that may be entire or deeply lobed, creating intricate foliage patterns. When flowers fade, the petals dry to a pale yellow tone, adding subtle color variation to its ephemeral meadow habitat.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 10 sympatric species; white petals distinguishable from alba by drying pattern
Habitat and range
Habitat: Wet meadows, edges of vernal pools, ephemeral streams
Elevation: < 1000 m
California counties: Humboldt, San Luis Obispo, Lake, Sonoma, Santa Clara, San Benito, Monterey, Mendocino, Butte, Napa, Colusa, Glenn, Tehama, Merced, Santa Cruz, Shasta, Trinity, Contra Costa, Marin, Solano, Yolo
Bloom period
Limnanthes douglasii subsp. nivea blooms Mar-May.
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. nivea native to California?
Yes. Limnanthes douglasii subsp. nivea is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Limnanthes douglasii subsp. nivea bloom?
Limnanthes douglasii subsp. nivea blooms Mar-May.
Where in California does Limnanthes douglasii subsp. nivea grow?
Limnanthes douglasii subsp. nivea occurs in Humboldt, San Luis Obispo, Lake, Sonoma, Santa Clara, San Benito, Monterey, Mendocino and other counties, at elevations of < 1000 m.
What plant family does Limnanthes douglasii subsp. nivea belong to?
Limnanthes douglasii subsp. nivea is in the Limnanthaceae family, genus Limnanthes.
What habitat does Limnanthes douglasii subsp. nivea grow in?
Limnanthes douglasii subsp. nivea grows in Wet meadows, edges of vernal pools, ephemeral streams.
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.