Navarretia myersii subsp. myersii
Pincushion navarretia, Pincushion Navarretia
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Family: Polemoniaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.1
Navarretia myersii subsp. myersii (Pincushion navarretia) is a native California herb in the Polemoniaceae family, recognized by prostrate habit with radiating leaves and large white flowers.
Pincushion navarretia is a rare (CNPS 1B.1) California native annual found in northern and central Sierra Nevada Foothills and central Great Valley in Sacramento, Amador, and Merced counties, inhabiting vernal pools at elevations of 20 to 90 meters. Flowering in May, this delicate plant produces white flowers with a distinctive corolla 17 to 21 millimeters long and intricate pincushion-like structure. Growing with slender stems less than 20 centimeters tall, it forms compact clusters in seasonal wetland habitats. Its leaves are finely divided with narrow, needle-like segments that contribute to its distinctive pincushion appearance. The plant's flower structure features a calyx tube longer than its lobes, creating a unique architectural form in its ephemeral vernal pool environment.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 18 sympatric species; distinguished by prostrate habit with radiating leaves and large white flowers
Habitat and range
Habitat: Vernal pools
Elevation: 20-90 m
Bloom period
Navarretia myersii subsp. myersii blooms 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. myersii native to California?
Yes. Navarretia myersii subsp. myersii is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Navarretia myersii subsp. myersii bloom?
Navarretia myersii subsp. myersii blooms May.
What plant family does Navarretia myersii subsp. myersii belong to?
Navarretia myersii subsp. myersii is in the Polemoniaceae family, genus Navarretia.
Is Navarretia myersii subsp. myersii rare or endangered?
Navarretia myersii subsp. myersii carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.1, state rank S2.
What habitat does Navarretia myersii subsp. myersii grow in?
Navarretia myersii subsp. myersii grows in Vernal pools.
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.