Nemacladus bellus
Beautiful threadplant
(c) T. J. Samojedny, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Campanulaceae · Type: Annual · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.3
Nemacladus bellus (Beautiful threadplant) is a native California annual in the Campanulaceae family, recognized by NONE sympatric - geographically isolated.
Beautiful threadplant is a rare (CNPS 1B.3) California native annual found in granitic gravel and sandy flats at elevations of 800 to 1,800 meters. Flowering from May to July, this delicate plant produces white flowers with lavender veins and yellow throat spots, approximately 4 to 4.5 millimeters long with a distinctive one-sided shape. Growing erect with slender, zigzag-branching stems 5 to 11 centimeters tall, the plant has a delicate, finely structured appearance. Its small leaves, ranging from 1.2 to 4 millimeters long, are widely elliptic to ovate-triangular with shallow teeth or wavy margins and a tapered base. The tiny spherical fruit, about 1.5 to 2 millimeters long, completes the plant's intricate botanical profile.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: NONE sympatric - geographically isolated
Habitat and range
Habitat: Granitic gravel and sandy flats
Elevation: 800-1800 m
Bloom period
Nemacladus bellus blooms May-Jul.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.3
How to tell it apart
vs Hesperolinon: Hesperolinon has 5 separate styles and round petals; Nemacladus has fused stamens and irregular flowers.; vs Legenere: Legenere has white flowers in wet areas; Nemacladus has colored flowers in dry desert habitats.; vs Porterella: Porterella grows in wet areas; Nemacladus is a desert specialist of dry sandy soils.; vs Lobelia: Lobelia grows in wet areas with ridged lower lips; Nemacladus thrives in dry deserts.; vs Downingia: Downingia grows in vernal pools; Nemacladus grows in dry desert sands and gravels.
Frequently asked questions
Is Nemacladus bellus native to California?
Yes. Nemacladus bellus is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Nemacladus bellus bloom?
Nemacladus bellus blooms May-Jul.
What plant family does Nemacladus bellus belong to?
Nemacladus bellus is in the Campanulaceae family, genus Nemacladus.
Is Nemacladus bellus rare or endangered?
Nemacladus bellus carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.3, state rank S2.
What habitat does Nemacladus bellus grow in?
Nemacladus bellus grows in Granitic gravel and sandy flats.
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 2026-09-30
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.