Limnanthes floccosa
Woolly meadowfoam
(c) Trevor Van Loon, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Limnanthaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Limnanthes floccosa (Woolly meadowfoam) is a native California herb in the Limnanthaceae family, recognized by Small meadowfoam; often woolly herbage; small urn- to cup-shaped white flowers, petals barely exceeding sepals (self-pollinating look).
Woolly meadowfoam is a California native annual found in grasslands and open areas at moderate elevations. Flowering from April to June, this delicate plant produces white flowers 4.5 to 10 millimeters long with petals that curve gracefully over developing fruit. Growing 3 to 25 centimeters tall with erect to ascending stems, the plant can be either completely smooth or covered in sparse to dense hairs. Its leaves are divided into 5 to 11 leaflets that range from linear to ovate-elliptic, some entire and some slightly toothed or lobed. The distinctive urn-shaped flowers feature 4 white petals that elegantly arch over the developing seed structures.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Small meadowfoam; often woolly herbage; small urn- to cup-shaped white flowers, petals barely exceeding sepals (self-pollinating look)
Habitat and range
California counties: Trinity, Shasta, Butte, Tehama
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 floccosa native to California?
Yes. Limnanthes floccosa is native to California (recorded as native).
Where in California does Limnanthes floccosa grow?
Limnanthes floccosa occurs in Trinity, Shasta, Butte, Tehama.
What plant family does Limnanthes floccosa belong to?
Limnanthes floccosa is in the Limnanthaceae family, genus Limnanthes.
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.