Nemophila parviflora var. parviflora
Small flowered nemophila
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Family: Hydrophyllaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Nemophila parviflora var. parviflora (Small flowered nemophila) is a native California herb in the Hydrophyllaceae family, recognized by alternate asymmetric upper leaves diagnostic.
Small flowered nemophila is a California native annual found in northwestern and central western California in woodland, forest, and roadside habitats at elevations below 1,600 meters. Flowering from March to July, this delicate plant produces small white to pale blue flowers approximately 1 to 5 millimeters wide. Growing with slender stems that range from nearly smooth to slightly bristly, it typically reaches 10 to 30 centimeters in height. Its leaves are asymmetric with distinctive five-lobed blades, upper leaves alternate and sessile, measuring 1 to 4 centimeters long with bases that are truncate or heart-shaped. The leaf lobes are generally sharp and may be entire or slightly toothed, with the upper three lobes sometimes merging or remaining distinct.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 8 sympatric species; alternate asymmetric upper leaves diagnostic
Habitat and range
Habitat: Woodland, forest, roadsides, slopes
Elevation: < 1600 m
California counties: San Mateo, Mendocino, Glenn, Siskiyou, Trinity, Sonoma, Marin, Napa, Santa Clara, Del Norte, Tehama, Santa Cruz, Humboldt, Monterey, Colusa, Alameda, El Dorado, Calaveras, Amador, Madera, Shasta, Contra Costa, San Diego, San Benito
Outside California: to British Columbia
Bloom period
Nemophila parviflora var. parviflora blooms Mar-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. parviflora native to California?
Yes. Nemophila parviflora var. parviflora is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Nemophila parviflora var. parviflora bloom?
Nemophila parviflora var. parviflora blooms Mar-Jul.
Where in California does Nemophila parviflora var. parviflora grow?
Nemophila parviflora var. parviflora occurs in San Mateo, Mendocino, Glenn, Siskiyou, Trinity, Sonoma, Marin, Napa and other counties, at elevations of < 1600 m.
What plant family does Nemophila parviflora var. parviflora belong to?
Nemophila parviflora var. parviflora is in the Hydrophyllaceae family, genus Nemophila.
What habitat does Nemophila parviflora var. parviflora grow in?
Nemophila parviflora var. parviflora grows in Woodland, forest, roadsides, slopes.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
- 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
- Nemophila pulchella var. pulchella — Eastwood's baby blue eyes
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.