Nemacladus morefieldii
White mountains nemacladus, morefield's nemacladus
(c) Jim Morefield, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Jim Morefield · licence
Family: Campanulaceae · Type: Annual · Native
Conservation status: CNPS PPD
Nemacladus morefieldii (White mountains nemacladus) is a native California annual in the Campanulaceae family, recognized by no sympatric species.
White mountains nemacladus is a California native annual found in volcanic and gravelly soils of the eastern California desert at elevations of 300 to 2,200 meters. Flowering from April to June, this delicate plant produces white flowers with maroon or orangish-brown shading on the petals, arranged in tiny, intricate clusters. Growing 4 to 14 centimeters tall with an erect, branching form from its base, the plant has a distinctive zigzag stem structure. Its leaves are small, diamond-shaped to nearly round, 3 to 8 millimeters long, with a felty or granular texture on the undersides and very short hairs on the upper surface. The flower is notable for its complex two-lipped structure, with two declined lower lobes and three erect upper lobes, creating an intricate botanical design.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Geographically isolated; no sympatric species
Habitat and range
Habitat: Volcanic and gravelly calcareous soil, shale talus, desert washes
Elevation: 300-2200 m
Outside California: Nevada
Bloom period
Nemacladus morefieldii blooms Apr-Jun.
Conservation status
CNPS PPD
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 morefieldii native to California?
Yes. Nemacladus morefieldii is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Nemacladus morefieldii bloom?
Nemacladus morefieldii blooms Apr-Jun.
What plant family does Nemacladus morefieldii belong to?
Nemacladus morefieldii is in the Campanulaceae family, genus Nemacladus.
Is Nemacladus morefieldii rare or endangered?
Nemacladus morefieldii carries California Rare Plant Rank PPD.
What habitat does Nemacladus morefieldii grow in?
Nemacladus morefieldii grows in Volcanic and gravelly calcareous soil, shale talus, desert washes.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-09-30
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.