Limosella australis
Delta mudwort, Delta Mudwort
(c) Arnim Littek, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Arnim Littek · licence
Family: Scrophulariaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 2B.1
Limosella australis (Delta mudwort) is a native California herb in the Scrophulariaceae family, recognized by cylindrical leaves and brackish habitat are strongly diagnostic.
Delta mudwort is a rare (CNPS 2B.1) California native annual found in the Deltalic Great Valley near Antioch and the Central Coast around Abbott's Lagoon in Marin County, growing in muddy or sandy intertidal flats and brackish water at elevations below 10 meters. Flowering in April, this small plant produces delicate white to lavender-blue flowers approximately 3 millimeters long with rounded corolla lobes. Growing in tufted clumps with awl-like cylindrical leaves 1 to 3 centimeters long, it forms low-growing clusters in wet, saline environments. Its leaves are obtuse, without petioles, and emerge directly from the ground in compact arrangements. The plant produces small spheric fruits and has distinctive curved pedicels that bend when the fruit develops.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 2 sympatric species; cylindrical leaves and brackish habitat are strongly diagnostic
Habitat and range
Habitat: Muddy or sandy intertidal flats, brackish water
Elevation: < 10 m
Outside California: native to eastern coast North America
Bloom period
Limosella australis blooms Apr.
Conservation status
CNPS 2B.1
How to tell it apart
vs Artemisia: Limosella grows in wet mud with simple spoon-shaped leaves; Artemisia is upright and dry-habitat with divided leaves.; vs Myoporum: Limosella is a tiny mudwort under 4 inches; Myoporum is a woody coastal shrub.; vs Buddleja: Limosella is a tiny wetland plant; Buddleja is a large fuzzy-leaved shrub.; vs Scrophularia: Limosella has all leaves basal in wet habitats; Scrophularia has square stems with leaves along them.; vs Verbascum: Limosella is a tiny mudwort under 4 inches; Verbascum towers several feet tall.
Frequently asked questions
Is Limosella australis native to California?
Yes. Limosella australis is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Limosella australis bloom?
Limosella australis blooms Apr.
What plant family does Limosella australis belong to?
Limosella australis is in the Scrophulariaceae family, genus Limosella.
Is Limosella australis rare or endangered?
Limosella australis carries California Rare Plant Rank 2B.1, state rank S2.
What habitat does Limosella australis grow in?
Limosella australis grows in Muddy or sandy intertidal flats, brackish water.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · 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.