White Meadowfoam
Limnanthes alba
Care
full sun, part shade
moderate
1–1ft tall
Mar-May
Friendly
Prized
Seeds eaten raw or roasted; high in oil content
North Coast and interior valleys from Humboldt County to Solano County, below 1000 ft elevation in vernal pools and grasslands.
Care Guide
Planting
Plant white meadowfoam in full sun during fall or winter - this annual wildflower thrives in the Bay Area's cool season and blooms March through May. It prefers poorly drained, moist soil similar to its native vernal pool and wet grassland habitats, so choose a spot that stays damp rather than one that dries out quickly. Space plants about 12 inches apart to allow room for their low, spreading growth (they typically reach only 1 foot tall).
After Planting
Water moderately to keep soil consistently moist through the growing season, especially during dry springs. White meadowfoam is highly susceptible to Botrytis cinerea fungus - ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering or dense plantings to prevent fungal issues. Since it's an annual, expect the plant to naturally die back after flowering and setting seed in late spring; let it go dormant as temperatures warm and moisture decreases in summer.
Wildlife Supported
Insects
Specialist bee foraging on meadowfoam flowers during bloom period
Native bumble bee foraging on meadowfoam flowers
Early spring forager on meadowfoam pollen
Forages nectar and pollen during meadowfoam bloom
Adult hover fly visiting flowers for nectar
Fungal pathogen specific to Limnanthes alba
Native bee collecting pollen during peak bloom