Nemacladus twisselmannii
Twisselmann's nemacladus
(c) Trevor Van Loon, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Campanulaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.2
Nemacladus twisselmannii (Twisselmann's nemacladus) is a native California herb in the Campanulaceae family, recognized by 10 sympatric - distinctive cushion growth form.
Twisselmann's nemacladus is a rare California native (CNPS 1B.2) annual found in southern Sierra Nevada (northern Kern County) in granitic sands and yellow-pine forest at an elevation of 2,240 meters. Flowering in July, this delicate plant produces small white flowers with subtly divided petals nestled in head-like clusters. Growing as a tiny cushion-like plant just 0.5 to 1 centimeter tall, it develops several branches from its base with stems transitioning from dull green to reddish-brown. Its leaves are small, approximately 2 to 3.5 millimeters long, spoon-shaped, hairy, and narrowed to a wide petiole. The fruit develops as a distinctive hemispheric capsule 2 to 3.5 millimeters long, splitting into a squarish box with intricately textured seeds.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 10 sympatric - distinctive cushion growth form
Habitat and range
Habitat: Granitic sands, rocks, yellow-pine forest
Elevation: 2240 m
California counties: Kern, Tulare, San Diego
Bloom period
Nemacladus twisselmannii blooms 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 twisselmannii native to California?
Yes. Nemacladus twisselmannii is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Nemacladus twisselmannii bloom?
Nemacladus twisselmannii blooms Jul.
Where in California does Nemacladus twisselmannii grow?
Nemacladus twisselmannii occurs in Kern, Tulare, San Diego, at elevations of 2240 m.
What plant family does Nemacladus twisselmannii belong to?
Nemacladus twisselmannii is in the Campanulaceae family, genus Nemacladus.
Is Nemacladus twisselmannii rare or endangered?
Nemacladus twisselmannii carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.2, state rank S1.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
- Nemacladus twisselmannii var. botanywomaniae — Kate's nemacladus
- Nemacladus twisselmannii var. twisselmannii — Twisselmann's nemacladus
- Nemacladus bellus — Beautiful threadplant
- Nemacladus breviflorus — Short-flowered threadplant
- Nemacladus calcaratus — Chimney creek nemacladus
- Nemacladus californicus — Parishella
- Porterella carnosula — Fleshy porterella
- Porterella sp.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CNPS Rare Plant Inventory · 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.