1. *White Meadowfoam – Limnanthes alba
(lim-NAN-thus AL-buh )
Family: Limnanthaceae (Meadowfoam Family)
Northern & Central CA in Great central Valley and surrounding foothills; wetlands and
moist spots like edges of vernal pools, ephemeral streams in Valley Grassland, Foothill Woodland,
Yellow Pine Forest plant communities.
Native to:
annual wildflower
mature height: 1-2 ft.
mature width: 1-2 ft.
California endemic wildflower with erect or mounded habit. Leaves are usually divided into several
lobes. Plant medium green, though stems may be red-tinged in hot conditions.
Growth characteristics:
Blooms in spring – generally Feb-April but may be later. Flowers cup-shaped with
five petals. Petals are white, fading to pink, with distinctive veining. A very pretty white flower
that’s attractive to native bees including bumblebees. Sweetly scented. Seeds are pressed to
produce Meadowfoam oil used in cosmetics.
Blooms/fruits:
Uses in the garden: Most often used in seasonally moist areas like rain gardens, seasonal swales,
etc.
Good under birdbath, near fountain.
Fabulous swathed. Provides a nice white accent in
mixed flower beds or in pots and planters. Good choice for cottage garden, pollinator garden, rock
garden or for edging pathways. Grow near/in vegetable garden to attract pollinators.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native white-flowering annuals.
Attracts: Excellent pollinator habitat; also provides seeds for birds.
Requirements:
Element
Sun
Soil
Water
Fertilizer
Other
Requirement
Full sun best.
Any local; any local pH.
Needs moist soil until after flowering is completed – then let soils dry out.
Not needed, but fine.
Keep well-watered until flowering decreases – sensitive to drought. For good seed
production, decrease water gradually during flowering season. Let plants reseed, or gather seeds
and store in cool, dry place.
Management:
Propagation: from seed: easy; required no pre-treatment.
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers):
5
12/29/13
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