Nemophila parviflora var. austiniae
Rebecca austin's nemophila
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Family: Hydrophyllaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Nemophila parviflora var. austiniae (Rebecca austin's nemophila) is a native California herb in the Hydrophyllaceae family, recognized by very small flowers and high elevation habitat.
Rebecca austin's nemophila is a California native annual found in the Klamath Ranges, northern Coast Ranges, northern Sierra Nevada, and Modoc Plateau in meadows, streambanks, forests, and mountain ridges at elevations of 1,100 to 2,300 meters. Flowering from May to July, this delicate plant produces small white to pale blue flowers less than 3 millimeters wide. Growing with slender stems that range from nearly smooth to slightly bristly, it forms low, spreading clusters. Its leaves are distinctive, with lower leaves having 5 to 7 shallow, rounded lobes at the base and upper leaves positioned opposite each other on short stalks. The plant's subtle, intricate structure makes it a charming inhabitant of mountain and forest edge environments.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 11 sympatric species; very small flowers and high elevation habitat
Habitat and range
Habitat: Meadows, streambanks, roadsides, forest, ridges
Elevation: 1100-2300 m
Outside California: to Washington, Idaho, Utah
Bloom period
Nemophila parviflora var. austiniae blooms May-Jul.
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 parviflora var. austiniae native to California?
Yes. Nemophila parviflora var. austiniae is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Nemophila parviflora var. austiniae bloom?
Nemophila parviflora var. austiniae blooms May-Jul.
What plant family does Nemophila parviflora var. austiniae belong to?
Nemophila parviflora var. austiniae is in the Hydrophyllaceae family, genus Nemophila.
What habitat does Nemophila parviflora var. austiniae grow in?
Nemophila parviflora var. austiniae grows in Meadows, streambanks, roadsides, forest, ridges.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
- Nemophila parviflora var. parviflora — Small flowered nemophila
- Nemophila parviflora var. quercifolia — Oak-leaved nemophila
- Nemophila pedunculata — Littlefoot nemophila
- Nemophila pulchella — Eastwood's baby blue eyes
- Nemophila pulchella var. fremontii — Fremont's baby blue eyes
- Nemophila pulchella var. gracilis — Eastwood's baby blue eyes
Sources: Jepson eFlora · 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.