Navarretia leucocephala subsp. pauciflora
Few-flowered navarretia, Few-Flowered Navarretia
Photo: parent species Navarretia leucocephala · no rights reserved · CC0
Family: Polemoniaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.1 · Endangered
Navarretia leucocephala subsp. pauciflora (Few-flowered navarretia) is a native California herb in the Polemoniaceae family, recognized by very low flower count and restricted range.
Few-flowered navarretia is a rare (CNPS 1B.1) California native annual found in southern North Coast Ranges Interior (Lake and Napa counties) in vernal pools at elevations of 400 to 900 meters. Flowering from May to June, this plant produces white to blue flowers in delicate clusters less than one centimeter wide. Growing with extremely short stems just 1 to 4 centimeters tall, it forms compact clusters with distinctive bract structures. Its inflorescence features bracts longer than the flower head, with few lobes that are either entire or slightly forked. The flower clusters contain between 2 to 20 individual blossoms, creating a delicate and intricate botanical display in ephemeral pool environments.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 27 sympatric species; distinguished by very low flower count and restricted range
Habitat and range
Habitat: Vernal pools
Elevation: 400-900 m
California counties: Lake, Napa
Bloom period
Navarretia leucocephala subsp. pauciflora blooms May-Jun.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.1 · Endangered
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 leucocephala subsp. pauciflora native to California?
Yes. Navarretia leucocephala subsp. pauciflora is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Navarretia leucocephala subsp. pauciflora bloom?
Navarretia leucocephala subsp. pauciflora blooms May-Jun.
Where in California does Navarretia leucocephala subsp. pauciflora grow?
Navarretia leucocephala subsp. pauciflora occurs in Lake, Napa, at elevations of 400-900 m.
What plant family does Navarretia leucocephala subsp. pauciflora belong to?
Navarretia leucocephala subsp. pauciflora is in the Polemoniaceae family, genus Navarretia.
Is Navarretia leucocephala subsp. pauciflora rare or endangered?
Navarretia leucocephala subsp. pauciflora carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.1, state rank S1.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CNPS Rare Plant Inventory · Index of California Plant Names · 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.