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Nemophila maculata
Nemophila maculata Benth. ex Lindl.
Fivespot
Hydrophyllaceae (Waterleaf Family)
Synonym(s):
USDA Symbol: NEMA
USDA Native Status: L48 (N)
This hairy, trailing annual reaches 12 in. in length. Delicate, showy, bell-shaped flowers grow in clusters at the tips of its branches. Each of the five petals are white, with a bluish to purple spot at the tip. Leaves are lobed and opposite.
Fivespot grows quickly and easily in cultivation, especially if given afternoon shade. It reseeds readily.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: AnnualHabit: Herb
Fruit Type: Capsule
Size Notes: Stems erect to somewhat prostrate, up to about 1 foot long
Leaf: Green
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White , Blue , PurpleBloom Time: Apr , May , Jun , Jul
Distribution
USA: CA , OR , UTNative Distribution: In CA, w. base of the Sierra Nevada from Plumas Co. to Kern Co.
Native Habitat: Moist slopes & flats below 7500 ft.
Growing Conditions
Water Use: MediumLight Requirement: Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist
CaCO3 Tolerance: Medium
Soil Description: Mesic to dry soils.
Conditions Comments: Five spot grows quickly and easily, especially if given afternoon shade. It reseeds readily.
Benefit
Conspicuous Flowers: yesValue to Beneficial Insects
Special Value to Native BeesThis information was provided by the Pollinator Program at The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.
Propagation
Description: Where winters are relatively mild, sow seed in fall; otherwise sow in early spring.Seed Treatment: No treatment may be necessary but for more uniform results, stratify for 2 months or germinate in cool temperatures (less than 70 degrees) and in darkness for the first 3 days.
Commercially Avail: yes
Find Seed or Plants
Find seed sources for this species at the Native Seed Network.
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:Native Seed Network - Corvallis, OR
Web Reference
Webref 30 - Calflora (2018) CalfloraWebref 37 - Calscape (2019) California Native Plant Society
Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter
Additional resources
USDA: Find Nemophila maculata in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Nemophila maculata in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Nemophila maculata
Metadata
Record Modified: 2023-02-20Research By: TWC Staff