Nemacladus pinnatifidus
Comb-leaved threadplant
(c) Madeleine Claire, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Madeleine Claire · licence
Family: Campanulaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Nemacladus pinnatifidus (Comb-leaved threadplant) is a native California herb in the Campanulaceae family, recognized by 9 sympatric - distinctive deeply pinnately lobed leaves.
Comb-leaved threadplant is a California native annual found in southern California, the San Gabriel Mountains, Peninsular Ranges, and desert regions in dry washes and chaparral at elevations of 300 to 1,520 meters. Flowering from May to June, this delicate plant produces white to faintly pink-tinged flowers tiny and intricate, with a bell-shaped corolla and reflexed petals. Growing with stiffly erect stems 6 to 20 centimeters tall, it branches many times from the base to below the middle. Its distinctive leaves are 5 to 20 millimeters long, oblanceolate and deeply pinnately lobed, narrowing to a long petiole with occasional teeth or entire margins. The fruit is a small hemispheric to ellipsoid capsule 3 to 4 millimeters long with an acute base and tip.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 9 sympatric - distinctive deeply pinnately lobed leaves
Habitat and range
Habitat: Dry washes, burned areas, chaparral
Elevation: 300-1520 m
California counties: San Diego, Riverside, Los Angeles, San Bernardino
Outside California: Baja California
Bloom period
Nemacladus pinnatifidus blooms May-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 pinnatifidus native to California?
Yes. Nemacladus pinnatifidus is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Nemacladus pinnatifidus bloom?
Nemacladus pinnatifidus blooms May-Jun.
Where in California does Nemacladus pinnatifidus grow?
Nemacladus pinnatifidus occurs in San Diego, Riverside, Los Angeles, San Bernardino, at elevations of 300-1520 m.
What plant family does Nemacladus pinnatifidus belong to?
Nemacladus pinnatifidus is in the Campanulaceae family, genus Nemacladus.
What habitat does Nemacladus pinnatifidus grow in?
Nemacladus pinnatifidus grows in Dry washes, burned areas, chaparral.
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.