Navarretia hamata subsp. hamata
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Family: Polemoniaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Navarretia hamata subsp. hamata is a native California herb in the Polemoniaceae family, recognized by other hamata subspecies by included corolla tube.
Navarretia hamata is a California native annual found in the Transverse and Peninsular Ranges in dry, sandy, rocky coastal and inland chaparral habitats at elevations below 1,200 meters. Flowering from April to June, this plant produces delicate flowers with white to pale blue corollas, featuring asymmetrical lobes 3 to 5 millimeters long. Growing with thin, linear stems that branch sparingly, it forms compact clusters in arid landscapes. Its leaves are narrow and linear, with a glandular axis that bears distinctive gland-dotted or glandular-hairy bracts. The plant's inflorescence is generally terminal, with unequal lobes creating a distinctive, intricate floral structure.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 15 sympatric species; distinguished from other hamata subspecies by included corolla tube
Habitat and range
Habitat: Dry, sandy, rocky places in coastal, inland chaparral
Elevation: < 1200 m
California counties: San Diego, Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside, San Luis Obispo, Ventura
Bloom period
Navarretia hamata subsp. hamata blooms Apr-Jun.
How to tell it apart
vs Leptosiphon: Navarretia has spiny, thistle-like flower heads; Leptosiphon has open flower clusters without spines.; vs Gilia: Navarretia has very short glandular hairs; Gilia has white cobwebby or bent hairs.; vs Eriastrum: Navarretia flower heads are spiny but not woolly; Eriastrum heads are densely woolly-white.; vs Saltugilia: Wet the seeds - Navarretia seeds become gelatinous; Saltugilia seeds stay dry.; vs Eryngium: Navarretia has tubular flowers in heads; Eryngium has tiny separate flowers and divided leaves.
Frequently asked questions
Is Navarretia hamata subsp. hamata native to California?
Yes. Navarretia hamata subsp. hamata is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Navarretia hamata subsp. hamata bloom?
Navarretia hamata subsp. hamata blooms Apr-Jun.
Where in California does Navarretia hamata subsp. hamata grow?
Navarretia hamata subsp. hamata occurs in San Diego, Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside, San Luis Obispo, Ventura, at elevations of < 1200 m.
What plant family does Navarretia hamata subsp. hamata belong to?
Navarretia hamata subsp. hamata is in the Polemoniaceae family, genus Navarretia.
What habitat does Navarretia hamata subsp. hamata grow in?
Navarretia hamata subsp. hamata grows in Dry, sandy, rocky places in coastal, inland chaparral.
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.