Nemacladus longiflorus
Long-flowering threadplant
Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Campanulaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Nemacladus longiflorus (Long-flowering threadplant) is a native California herb in the Campanulaceae family, recognized by NONE sympatric - geographically isolated.
Long-flowering threadplant is a California native annual found in sandy or gravelly slopes and washes at elevations of 100 to 2,400 meters. Flowering from April to June, this delicate plant produces white flowers with deep pink veins and yellow throat spots, with a distinctive salverform corolla 5 to 8 millimeters long featuring maroon stripes. Growing 7 to 21 centimeters tall with erect stems that branch from the base, the threadplant has a slender, zigzag growth habit. Its leaves range from 3 to 12 millimeters long, oblanceolate to ovate, with sparse to dense hairs and narrow winged petioles. The fruit is a small oblong-fusiform structure 3 to 5 millimeters long with acute base and tip.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: NONE sympatric - geographically isolated
Habitat and range
Habitat: Sandy or gravelly slopes, washes
Elevation: 100-2400 m
California counties: San Bernardino, Riverside, San Diego, Los Angeles, Orange, Monterey, San Luis Obispo
Outside California: Baja California
Bloom period
Nemacladus longiflorus blooms Apr-Jun.
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 longiflorus native to California?
Yes. Nemacladus longiflorus is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Nemacladus longiflorus bloom?
Nemacladus longiflorus blooms Apr-Jun.
Where in California does Nemacladus longiflorus grow?
Nemacladus longiflorus occurs in San Bernardino, Riverside, San Diego, Los Angeles, Orange, Monterey, San Luis Obispo, at elevations of 100-2400 m.
What plant family does Nemacladus longiflorus belong to?
Nemacladus longiflorus is in the Campanulaceae family, genus Nemacladus.
What habitat does Nemacladus longiflorus grow in?
Nemacladus longiflorus grows in Sandy or gravelly slopes, washes.
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.