Mesembryanthemum nodiflorum
Slender-leaved iceplant
Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Aizoaceae · Type: Herb · Not Native
Conservation status: Cal-IPC Yes
Mesembryanthemum nodiflorum (Slender-leaved iceplant) is a non-native California herb in the Aizoaceae family, recognized by leaf size/shape, flower color, and growth habit.
Slender-leaved iceplant is a naturalized annual found in southern California coastal regions including San Francisco Bay, Southern California, and the Channel Islands in coastal bluffs and saline wetland margins at elevations below 100 meters. Flowering from April to November, this plant produces white to yellow flowers that initially bloom white and transition to yellow as they age. Growing with prostrate to ascending stems 15 to 20 centimeters tall and branching from the base, it forms low-spreading clusters across coastal habitats. Its linear leaves are 1 to 2 centimeters long, creating a delicate, sparse foliage pattern along the ground. The fruit is fine-papillate with seeds that are white to light brown and smooth.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 1 sympatric species; distinguished by leaf size/shape, flower color, and growth habit
Habitat and range
Habitat: Uncommon. Coastal bluffs, margins of saline wetlands
Elevation: < 100 m
California counties: Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, Imperial, San Diego, Ventura, Santa Barbara, San Bernardino, Santa Clara, San Mateo, Solano, Contra Costa, Alameda, Glenn, Napa, Kern, San Luis Obispo, Monterey
Outside California: to Arizona, Mexico, also Australia, native to southern Africa
Bloom period
Mesembryanthemum nodiflorum blooms Apr-Nov.
Conservation status
Cal-IPC Yes
How to tell it apart
vs Carpobrotus: Mesembryanthemum is annual with crystalline leaves; Carpobrotus is perennial with huge fleshy fruits.; vs Salicornia: Mesembryanthemum has visible leaves and daisy-like flowers; Salicornia has succulent jointed stems with scale leaves.; vs Tetragonia: Mesembryanthemum has daisy-like flowers; Tetragonia has tiny flowers hidden in leaf axils.; vs Batis: Mesembryanthemum has flat leaves and open flowers; Batis has fleshy cylindrical leaves and cone-like flower clusters.; vs Crassula: Mesembryanthemum has daisy-like flowers with many petals; Crassula has small flowers with 4-5 distinct petals.
Frequently asked questions
Is Mesembryanthemum nodiflorum native to California?
No. Mesembryanthemum nodiflorum is not native to California (recorded as not native).
When does Mesembryanthemum nodiflorum bloom?
Mesembryanthemum nodiflorum blooms Apr-Nov.
Where in California does Mesembryanthemum nodiflorum grow?
Mesembryanthemum nodiflorum occurs in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, Imperial, San Diego, Ventura, Santa Barbara, San Bernardino and other counties, at elevations of < 100 m.
What plant family does Mesembryanthemum nodiflorum belong to?
Mesembryanthemum nodiflorum is in the Aizoaceae family, genus Mesembryanthemum.
Is Mesembryanthemum nodiflorum invasive in California?
Mesembryanthemum nodiflorum is listed by Cal-IPC with an invasiveness rating of Yes.
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.