Nemacladus twisselmannii var. twisselmannii
Twisselmann's nemacladus
(c) Trevor Van Loon, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Campanulaceae · Type: Annual · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.2
Nemacladus twisselmannii var. twisselmannii (Twisselmann's nemacladus) is a native California annual in the Campanulaceae family, recognized by Narrow s Sierra (n Kern Co.) endemic, 2240–2400 m granitic sand; flower inverted, corolla split halfway to base — locality + flower….
Twisselmann's nemacladus is a rare (CNPS 1B.2) California native annual found in yellow-pine forests of the Sierra Nevada at elevations of 2,240 to 2,400 meters. Flowering in July, this delicate plant produces small flowers with distinctive white to pale lavender petals divided nearly to the base. Growing with extremely slender stems 10 to 15 centimeters tall, the plant has a densely hairy stem base that provides unique texture. Its leaves are spoon-shaped or oblanceolate, some with two coarse teeth, creating a subtle architectural form. The tiny flowers feature three spreading lower petals and two erect upper petals, giving the blossoms an intricate, asymmetrical appearance.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Narrow s Sierra (n Kern Co.) endemic, 2240–2400 m granitic sand; flower inverted, corolla split halfway to base — locality + flower nearly diagnostic
Habitat and range
Habitat: Granitic sand, rocks, yellow-pine forests
Elevation: 2240-2400 m
Bloom period
Nemacladus twisselmannii var. 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 var. twisselmannii native to California?
Yes. Nemacladus twisselmannii var. twisselmannii is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Nemacladus twisselmannii var. twisselmannii bloom?
Nemacladus twisselmannii var. twisselmannii blooms Jul.
What plant family does Nemacladus twisselmannii var. twisselmannii belong to?
Nemacladus twisselmannii var. twisselmannii is in the Campanulaceae family, genus Nemacladus.
Is Nemacladus twisselmannii var. twisselmannii rare or endangered?
Nemacladus twisselmannii var. twisselmannii carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.2, state rank S1.
What habitat does Nemacladus twisselmannii var. twisselmannii grow in?
Nemacladus twisselmannii var. twisselmannii grows in Granitic sand, rocks, yellow-pine forests.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
- Nemacladus bellus — Beautiful threadplant
- Nemacladus breviflorus — Short-flowered threadplant
- Nemacladus calcaratus — Chimney creek nemacladus
- Nemacladus californicus — Parishella
- Nemacladus capillaris — Common nemacladus
- Nemacladus eastwoodiae — Eastwood's nemacladus
- Porterella carnosula — Fleshy porterella
- Porterella sp.
- Ravenella angustiflora — Eastwood's bellflower
- Ravenella exigua — Chaparral harebell
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CNPS Rare Plant Inventory · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos · CDFW CNDDB
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.