Nemacladus montanus
Coast range nemacladus
(c) Arvel Hernandez, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Campanulaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Nemacladus montanus (Coast range nemacladus) is a native California herb in the Campanulaceae family, recognized by 1 sympatric - habitat specialization key.
Coast range nemacladus is a California native annual found in northern Coastal Ranges, northern Sacramento Valley, and southeastern San Francisco Bay Area (Mount Hamilton) on serpentine soils at elevations of 300 to 1,200 meters. Flowering from May to July, this plant produces delicate white flowers with yellow and maroon accents, the two-lipped corolla featuring a yellow spot and maroon arches. Growing 8 to 18 centimeters tall with ascending stems that branch distinctively about 2 to 2.5 centimeters from the base, it forms an intricate zigzag growth pattern. Its leaves are 6 to 18 millimeters long, oblanceolate to elliptic, entire or subtly toothed, and covered in fine hairs that narrow to a short, wide petiole. The fruit is a small, obliquely obconic structure 2.5 to 3 millimeters long with an acute base and slightly pointed tip.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 1 sympatric - habitat specialization key
Habitat and range
Habitat: Serpentine soils
Elevation: 300-1200 m
California counties: Lake, Stanislaus, Napa, Butte, Tehama, Colusa, Glenn, Monterey, Tulare, Calaveras, San Bernardino
Bloom period
Nemacladus montanus blooms May-Jul.
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 montanus native to California?
Yes. Nemacladus montanus is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Nemacladus montanus bloom?
Nemacladus montanus blooms May-Jul.
Where in California does Nemacladus montanus grow?
Nemacladus montanus occurs in Lake, Stanislaus, Napa, Butte, Tehama, Colusa, Glenn, Monterey and other counties, at elevations of 300-1200 m.
What plant family does Nemacladus montanus belong to?
Nemacladus montanus is in the Campanulaceae family, genus Nemacladus.
What habitat does Nemacladus montanus grow in?
Nemacladus montanus grows in Serpentine 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.