Oligomeris linifolia
Leaved cambess
Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Resedaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Oligomeris linifolia (Leaved cambess) is a native California herb in the Resedaceae family, recognized by California represents the western edge of this genus's range in North America.
Leaved cambess is a California native perennial found in the San Joaquin Valley, southwestern California, and desert regions in rocky slopes, open dunes, ocean bluffs, and alkaline places at elevations below 850 meters. Flowering from February to July, this plant produces small white to nearly white flowers less than 2 millimeters long. Growing with succulent, glabrous stems up to 45 centimeters tall, it has an erect and somewhat fleshy growth habit. Its narrow leaves range from 8 to 45 millimeters long and 0.5 to 2 millimeters wide, appearing linear to slightly oblanceolate. The fruit is a compressed, spherical structure 1.7 to 3 millimeters long that splits into four distinct parts.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: California represents the western edge of this genus's range in North America
Habitat and range
Habitat: Rocky slopes, open dunes, ocean bluffs, roadsides, alkaline places
Elevation: < 850 m
California counties: Riverside, San Bernardino, Inyo, Imperial, Orange, Ventura, San Diego, Kern, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, San Benito
Outside California: to Texas, Mexico, Eurasia, northern Africa
Bloom period
Oligomeris linifolia blooms Feb-Jul.
How to tell it apart
vs Stillingia: Oligomeris has 2-4 petals in each tiny flower; Stillingia lacks petals entirely with separate male/female flowers.; vs Ambrosia: Oligomeris has small flowers with 2 visible petals in spikes; Ambrosia has no petals, just green composite flower heads.; vs Reseda: Oligomeris has only 2 petals and 3-4 stamens; Reseda has 4-6 petals and 10-25 stamens.; vs Impatiens: Oligomeris has 2-4 petals in dense spikes; Impatiens has showy spurred asymmetric flowers.; vs Pelargonium: Oligomeris has tiny 2-petaled flowers in spikes; Pelargonium has showy 5-petaled flowers in umbels.
Frequently asked questions
Is Oligomeris linifolia native to California?
Yes. Oligomeris linifolia is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Oligomeris linifolia bloom?
Oligomeris linifolia blooms Feb-Jul.
Where in California does Oligomeris linifolia grow?
Oligomeris linifolia occurs in Riverside, San Bernardino, Inyo, Imperial, Orange, Ventura, San Diego, Kern and other counties, at elevations of < 850 m.
What plant family does Oligomeris linifolia belong to?
Oligomeris linifolia is in the Resedaceae family, genus Oligomeris.
What habitat does Oligomeris linifolia grow in?
Oligomeris linifolia grows in Rocky slopes, open dunes, ocean bluffs, roadsides, alkaline places.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
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.