Navarretia myersii subsp. deminuta
Small pincushion navarretia, Small Pincushion Navarretia
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Family: Polemoniaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.1
Navarretia myersii subsp. deminuta (Small pincushion navarretia) is a native California herb in the Polemoniaceae family, recognized by prostrate habit with radiating leaves and blue flowers.
Small pincushion navarretia is a rare (CNPS 1B.1) California native annual found in the northern Coast Ranges Interior (Lake County) in vernal pools at elevations of 20 to 90 meters. Flowering from April to May, this delicate plant produces blue flowers with corollas 12 to 14 millimeters long nestled among distinctive pincushion-like bracts. Growing with slender stems typically less than 20 centimeters tall, the plant forms compact, intricate clusters. Its leaves are finely divided with narrow, needle-like segments that contribute to its distinctive pincushion-like appearance. In vernal pool habitats, this rare navarretia represents a remarkable example of California's unique annual wildflower diversity.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 27 sympatric species; distinguished by prostrate habit with radiating leaves and blue flowers
Habitat and range
Habitat: Vernal pools
Elevation: 20-90 m
Bloom period
Navarretia myersii subsp. deminuta blooms Apr-May.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.1
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 myersii subsp. deminuta native to California?
Yes. Navarretia myersii subsp. deminuta is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Navarretia myersii subsp. deminuta bloom?
Navarretia myersii subsp. deminuta blooms Apr-May.
What plant family does Navarretia myersii subsp. deminuta belong to?
Navarretia myersii subsp. deminuta is in the Polemoniaceae family, genus Navarretia.
Is Navarretia myersii subsp. deminuta rare or endangered?
Navarretia myersii subsp. deminuta carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.1, state rank S1.
What habitat does Navarretia myersii subsp. deminuta grow in?
Navarretia myersii subsp. deminuta grows in Vernal pools.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · 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.