Limnanthes douglasii subsp. sulphurea
Point reyes meadowfoam, Point Reyes Meadowfoam
Photo: parent species Limnanthes douglasii · no rights reserved · CC0
Family: Limnanthaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.2
Limnanthes douglasii subsp. sulphurea (Point reyes meadowfoam) is a native California herb in the Limnanthaceae family, recognized by distinctive all-yellow flowers.
Point reyes meadowfoam is a rare (CNPS 1B.2) California native annual found in the coastal region of central California (Marin County) in wet meadows of coastal prairie at elevations below 100 meters. Flowering from March to May, this plant produces distinctive yellow petals and anthers in delicate blossoms. Growing low to the ground with spreading stems, it forms compact clusters in moist coastal environments. Its leaves feature ovate leaflets with irregular teeth or lobes, creating a complex and intricate green texture. The fruit develops distinctive plate-like ridges that appear smooth and sleek when mature.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 2 sympatric species; distinctive all-yellow flowers
Habitat and range
Habitat: Wet meadows of coastal prairie
Elevation: < 100 m
California counties: Marin
Bloom period
Limnanthes douglasii subsp. sulphurea blooms Mar-May.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.2
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. sulphurea native to California?
Yes. Limnanthes douglasii subsp. sulphurea is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Limnanthes douglasii subsp. sulphurea bloom?
Limnanthes douglasii subsp. sulphurea blooms Mar-May.
Where in California does Limnanthes douglasii subsp. sulphurea grow?
Limnanthes douglasii subsp. sulphurea occurs in Marin, at elevations of < 100 m.
What plant family does Limnanthes douglasii subsp. sulphurea belong to?
Limnanthes douglasii subsp. sulphurea is in the Limnanthaceae family, genus Limnanthes.
Is Limnanthes douglasii subsp. sulphurea rare or endangered?
Limnanthes douglasii subsp. sulphurea carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.2, state rank S1.
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.