Nemacladus inyoensis
Badger flat nemacladus
(c) Steve Matson, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Steve Matson · licence
Family: Campanulaceae · Type: Annual · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.2
Nemacladus inyoensis (Badger flat nemacladus) is a native California annual in the Campanulaceae family, recognized by NONE sympatric - geographically isolated.
Badger flat nemacladus is a rare (CNPS 1B.2) California native annual found in the Inyo Mountains in limestone, sandstone, and granite rubble and washes at elevations of 1,600 to 2,600 meters. Flowering from May to July, this delicate plant produces cream-colored flowers with a distinctive maroon line along the midvein, emerging on thin pedicels with tiny widely ovate bracts. Growing with erect, branching stems 2 to 10 centimeters tall, it forms a slender, delicate structure with shallow zigzag branching from base and upper nodes. Its small leaves, 1 to 4 millimeters long, are elliptic to ovate, entire, and either glabrous or lightly white-haired with a heart-shaped to rounded base. The fruit is dark purplish green, nearly spherical, and measures 2.5 to 3 millimeters across.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: NONE sympatric - geographically isolated
Habitat and range
Habitat: Limestone, sandstone, or granite rubble and granite washes
Elevation: 1600-2600 m
Outside California: Nevada
Bloom period
Nemacladus inyoensis blooms May-Jul.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.2
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 inyoensis native to California?
Yes. Nemacladus inyoensis is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Nemacladus inyoensis bloom?
Nemacladus inyoensis blooms May-Jul.
What plant family does Nemacladus inyoensis belong to?
Nemacladus inyoensis is in the Campanulaceae family, genus Nemacladus.
Is Nemacladus inyoensis rare or endangered?
Nemacladus inyoensis carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.2, state rank S3.
What habitat does Nemacladus inyoensis grow in?
Nemacladus inyoensis grows in Limestone, sandstone, or granite rubble and granite washes.
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.