Nemacladus californicus
Parishella, dwarf nemacladus
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Family: Campanulaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Nemacladus californicus (Parishella) is a native California herb in the Campanulaceae family, recognized by 11 sympatric - unique prostrate habit.
Parishella is a California native annual found in southeastern Sierra Cuesta Range, southern Sierra Cuesta Interior, northeastern Transverse Ranges, and Mojave Desert in sandy or gravelly soils at elevations of 650 to 1,900 meters. Flowering from April to May, this delicate plant produces small white flowers with spreading elliptic lobes in compact head-like clusters. Growing prostrate with reclined stems forming rosettes 1 to 10 centimeters in diameter, it creates low-spreading ground cover with intricate structure. Its leaves are oblanceolate, 5 to 20 millimeters long, hairy, and narrowed to slender petioles, creating a soft textural ground presence. The fruit is approximately spherical, 4 to 5 millimeters long, with a distinctive dome-like tip that opens circumscissile to release its tiny seeds.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 11 sympatric - unique prostrate habit
Habitat and range
Habitat: Sandy or gravelly soils
Elevation: 650-1900 m
California counties: San Bernardino, Santa Barbara, Kern, San Luis Obispo, Fresno, Ventura
Bloom period
Nemacladus californicus blooms Apr-May.
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 californicus native to California?
Yes. Nemacladus californicus is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Nemacladus californicus bloom?
Nemacladus californicus blooms Apr-May.
Where in California does Nemacladus californicus grow?
Nemacladus californicus occurs in San Bernardino, Santa Barbara, Kern, San Luis Obispo, Fresno, Ventura, at elevations of 650-1900 m.
What plant family does Nemacladus californicus belong to?
Nemacladus californicus is in the Campanulaceae family, genus Nemacladus.
What habitat does Nemacladus californicus grow in?
Nemacladus californicus grows in Sandy or gravelly soils.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
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.