Limnanthaceae: Meadowfoam Family
Common Meadowfoam – Limnanthes douglasii subsp. douglasii
Blooms:
Mar–May
Plant Height:
10–30 cm
Flower Size:
Large
Origin:
Native
Habitat:
Wet meadows
Notes:
This is immediately recognizable with its large (2–4 cm), 5-petaled flowers, pure white with a bright yellow base. Anther colors may be yellow, cream or red-brown. Leaves are entire, or irregularly toothed or lobed. Sometimes found in profusion.
Douglas / White Meadowfoam – Limnanthes douglasii subsp. nivea
Blooms:
Mar–May
Plant Height:
10–30 cm
Flower Size:
Large
Origin:
Native
Habitat:
Wet meadows, vernal pool margins, ephemeral streams
Notes:
Very similar to Common Meadowfoam (subsp. douglasii, see above), this is distinguished mainly by its pure white flowers. The color of its anthers is more limited, cream to yellow (compared to cream, yellow or red-brown. A particularly good display can be seen along the Nacimiento-Fergusson Road inside Fort Hunter Liggett.
