Navarretia nigelliformis subsp. radians
Shining navarretia, Shining Navarretia
(c) My-Lan Le, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Polemoniaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.2
Navarretia nigelliformis subsp. radians (Shining navarretia) is a native California herb in the Polemoniaceae family, recognized by low spreading habit and included yellow flowers.
Shining navarretia is a rare (CNPS 1B.2) California native annual found in south-central coastal ranges in vernal pools and clay depressions at elevations of 150 to 1,000 meters. Flowering from May to July, this plant produces delicate white flowers with short 1 to 2 millimeter lobes nestled in densely white-hairy centers. Growing with decumbent branches that spread wider than tall, it forms a light gray-green herbage with distinctive spreading growth habit. Its narrow leaves are arranged with intricate white-hairy bracts, with glabrous bract tips creating a subtle textural contrast. The plant's stamens extend beyond the flower's corolla, giving it a distinctive and delicate appearance in its vernal pool habitat.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 16 sympatric species; distinguished by low spreading habit and included yellow flowers
Habitat and range
Habitat: Vernal pools, clay depressions
Elevation: 150-1000 m
California counties: San Benito, San Luis Obispo, Tulare, Merced, Monterey, Butte, Madera, San Joaquin, Contra Costa, Colusa, Fresno
Bloom period
Navarretia nigelliformis subsp. radians blooms May-Jul.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.2
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 nigelliformis subsp. radians native to California?
Yes. Navarretia nigelliformis subsp. radians is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Navarretia nigelliformis subsp. radians bloom?
Navarretia nigelliformis subsp. radians blooms May-Jul.
Where in California does Navarretia nigelliformis subsp. radians grow?
Navarretia nigelliformis subsp. radians occurs in San Benito, San Luis Obispo, Tulare, Merced, Monterey, Butte, Madera, San Joaquin and other counties, at elevations of 150-1000 m.
What plant family does Navarretia nigelliformis subsp. radians belong to?
Navarretia nigelliformis subsp. radians is in the Polemoniaceae family, genus Navarretia.
Is Navarretia nigelliformis subsp. radians rare or endangered?
Navarretia nigelliformis subsp. radians carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.2, state rank S2S3.
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.