Nemophila breviflora
Great basin nemophila, Great Basin Nemophila
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Family: Hydrophyllaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 2B.3
Nemophila breviflora (Great basin nemophila) is a native California herb in the Hydrophyllaceae family, recognized by unique tiny flowers and red pitted seeds.
Great basin nemophila is a rare (CNPS 2B.3) California native annual found in the Modoc Plateau in streambanks, meadows, and thickets at elevations of 1,500 to 2,200 meters. Flowering from May to June, this plant produces delicate white to light purple flowers with a bell-shaped corolla less than 4 millimeters wide. Growing with slender stems bearing minute reflexed prickles, it forms small, compact plants. Its lower leaves have 3 to 6 acute lobes, each blade 7 to 30 millimeters long and 15 to 40 millimeters wide. The plant produces a single seed that is reddish and characterized by smooth surfaces with regular deep pits.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 3 sympatric species; unique tiny flowers and red pitted seeds
Habitat and range
Habitat: Streambanks, meadows, thickets
Elevation: 1500-2200 m
Outside California: to British Columbia, Montana, Colorado
Bloom period
Nemophila breviflora blooms May-Jun.
Conservation status
CNPS 2B.3
How to tell it apart
vs Phacelia: Nemophila has symmetrical bowl-shaped flowers; Phacelia has flowers in one-sided coiled clusters.; vs Pholistoma: Nemophila fruits feel soft and velvety; Pholistoma fruits are covered in stiff, rough bristles.; vs Veronica: Nemophila has 5-petaled flowers and soft fruits; Veronica has 4-petaled flowers and flat heart-shaped capsules.; vs Linum: Nemophila has lobed leaves and 5 stamens; Linum has narrow entire leaves and typically 5 stamens alternate with teeth.; vs Eucrypta: Nemophila has showy flowers 5mm+ wide; Eucrypta has tiny flowers under 4mm in dense branched clusters.
Frequently asked questions
Is Nemophila breviflora native to California?
Yes. Nemophila breviflora is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Nemophila breviflora bloom?
Nemophila breviflora blooms May-Jun.
What plant family does Nemophila breviflora belong to?
Nemophila breviflora is in the Hydrophyllaceae family, genus Nemophila.
Is Nemophila breviflora rare or endangered?
Nemophila breviflora carries California Rare Plant Rank 2B.3, state rank S3.
What habitat does Nemophila breviflora grow in?
Nemophila breviflora grows in Streambanks, meadows, thickets.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos · CDFW CNDDB
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.