Navarretia hamata subsp. parviloba
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Family: Polemoniaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Navarretia hamata subsp. parviloba is a native California herb in the Polemoniaceae family, recognized by distinctive leaf shape and non-glandular hairy bracts.
Navarretia hamata subsp. parviloba is a California native annual herb found in coastal areas including the Central Coast, San Francisco Bay Area, and southern Coastal Ranges in open, sandy habitats at elevations below 1,000 meters. Flowering from April to June, this plant produces delicate flowers with corolla lobes 2 to 3 millimeters long. Growing with distinctive linear to lanceolate leaves featuring unique hooked lobes that spread and curve, the plant has an intricate branching structure. Its leaves have an asymmetrical axis with equal spreading side lobes and a central recurved hook, giving the plant a distinctive architectural quality. The flower clusters emerge from axillary and terminal positions, with long-hairy bracts forming three-lobed tips that mirror the leaf structure.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 23 sympatric species; distinctive leaf shape and non-glandular hairy bracts
Habitat and range
Habitat: Open, sandy areas, often sand hills
Elevation: < 1000 m
California counties: San Luis Obispo, Santa Cruz, Santa Barbara, Monterey, Ventura, San Bernardino, Contra Costa, Mariposa
Bloom period
Navarretia hamata subsp. parviloba 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. parviloba native to California?
Yes. Navarretia hamata subsp. parviloba is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Navarretia hamata subsp. parviloba bloom?
Navarretia hamata subsp. parviloba blooms Apr-Jun.
Where in California does Navarretia hamata subsp. parviloba grow?
Navarretia hamata subsp. parviloba occurs in San Luis Obispo, Santa Cruz, Santa Barbara, Monterey, Ventura, San Bernardino, Contra Costa, Mariposa, at elevations of < 1000 m.
What plant family does Navarretia hamata subsp. parviloba belong to?
Navarretia hamata subsp. parviloba is in the Polemoniaceae family, genus Navarretia.
What habitat does Navarretia hamata subsp. parviloba grow in?
Navarretia hamata subsp. parviloba grows in Open, sandy areas, often sand hills.
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.