Navarretia leucocephala subsp. plieantha
Many-flowered navarretia, Many-Flowered Navarretia
Photo: parent species Navarretia leucocephala · no rights reserved · CC0
Family: Polemoniaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.2 · Endangered
Navarretia leucocephala subsp. plieantha (Many-flowered navarretia) is a native California herb in the Polemoniaceae family, recognized by high flower count and blue color.
Many-flowered navarretia is a rare (CNPS 1B.2) California native annual found in southern North Coast Ranges in Lake and Sonoma counties, inhabiting vernal pools at elevations of 800 to 1,100 meters. Flowering from May to June, this plant produces blue flowers in dense clusters with short-pedicelled blooms nestled within intricately branched bracts. Growing with spreading stems 1 to 3 centimeters tall and numerous branches, it forms delicate, compact clusters. Its flowers feature linear corolla lobes with glandular calyx bases, giving the plant a distinctive, finely textured appearance. The plant's tiny, intricate structure makes it a subtle but remarkable inhabitant of seasonal pool environments.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 29 sympatric species; distinguished by high flower count and blue color
Habitat and range
Habitat: Vernal pools
Elevation: 800-1100 m
California counties: Lake, Sonoma
Bloom period
Navarretia leucocephala subsp. plieantha blooms May-Jun.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.2 · 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. plieantha native to California?
Yes. Navarretia leucocephala subsp. plieantha is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Navarretia leucocephala subsp. plieantha bloom?
Navarretia leucocephala subsp. plieantha blooms May-Jun.
Where in California does Navarretia leucocephala subsp. plieantha grow?
Navarretia leucocephala subsp. plieantha occurs in Lake, Sonoma, at elevations of 800-1100 m.
What plant family does Navarretia leucocephala subsp. plieantha belong to?
Navarretia leucocephala subsp. plieantha is in the Polemoniaceae family, genus Navarretia.
Is Navarretia leucocephala subsp. plieantha rare or endangered?
Navarretia leucocephala subsp. plieantha carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.2, 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.