Parish's Meadowfoam
(Limnanthes gracilis ssp. parishii )
Limnanthaceae

Photo Copyright Roxanne Bittman and CNPS

Description: Annual herb. Stems with widely divergent branches from base, 4-8 inches (1-2dm) long, and with-out hairs. Leaves pinnate, then further divided into narrow lobes. Leaves with-out hairs, 3/4 -     2 3/8 inches (2-6cm) long. Flowers bowl-shaped, with the stalk of the flower 3/4 - 3 1/8 inches (2-8cm) long. Petals white, then aging to pink. Petals are a reverse pear-shape with a shallow notch at the end, with-out hairs, and 3/8 inch (8-10mm) long. Sepals are pear-shaped with a short, pointy end. Sepals are with-out hairs, and 2/8-3/8 inches (5-8mm) long. Fruit is a nutlet, 1/8 inch (4mm) long, with short nodules. 

Distribution:

Habitat: Moist lakes and wet places (wet meadows, ephemeral stream edges, seeps and vernal pools). Yellow pine forest. Elevation 1920 - 6400 feet.

Flowering Period: Blooms April - June.

Similar Plants:

Status: California State Endangered, California Native Plant Society List 1B