Nemophila parviflora var. quercifolia
Oak-leaved nemophila
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Family: Hydrophyllaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 4.3
Nemophila parviflora var. quercifolia (Oak-leaved nemophila) is a native California herb in the Hydrophyllaceae family, recognized by distinctive oak-like hairy leaves.
Oak-leaved nemophila is a California native annual found in central Sierra Nevada and Tehachapi Mountains in forest, slopes, and ravines at elevations of 700 to 2,200 meters. Flowering from April to July, this plant produces white flowers with light blue or pale blue tints, approximately 3 to 5 millimeters wide. Growing with soft, shaggy, or wavy-haired stems, it reaches a low, delicate form characteristic of woodland understory plants. Its leaves are distinctively long-hairy with 5 to 7 shallow, rounded lobes, and the leaf bases are truncate or heart-shaped, creating a soft, textured appearance. The upper leaves are opposite and short-stalked, adding to the plant's intricate woodland structure.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 7 sympatric species; distinctive oak-like hairy leaves
Habitat and range
Habitat: Forest, slopes, ravines
Elevation: 700-2200 m
California counties: Kern, Madera, Tulare, Fresno, Los Angeles, Mariposa, Glenn, Tuolumne, El Dorado
Bloom period
Nemophila parviflora var. quercifolia blooms Apr-Jul.
Conservation status
CNPS 4.3
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 parviflora var. quercifolia native to California?
Yes. Nemophila parviflora var. quercifolia is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Nemophila parviflora var. quercifolia bloom?
Nemophila parviflora var. quercifolia blooms Apr-Jul.
Where in California does Nemophila parviflora var. quercifolia grow?
Nemophila parviflora var. quercifolia occurs in Kern, Madera, Tulare, Fresno, Los Angeles, Mariposa, Glenn, Tuolumne and other counties, at elevations of 700-2200 m.
What plant family does Nemophila parviflora var. quercifolia belong to?
Nemophila parviflora var. quercifolia is in the Hydrophyllaceae family, genus Nemophila.
Is Nemophila parviflora var. quercifolia rare or endangered?
Nemophila parviflora var. quercifolia carries California Rare Plant Rank 4.3, state rank S4.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CNPS Rare Plant Inventory · Index of California Plant Names · 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.