Fivespot
Nemophila maculata
Care
full sun, part shade
low
Fast, Medium; Prefers sand but tolerates garden soil.
0–1ft tall , 1–1ft wide
Jan-Dec
Resistant
Friendly
Prized
Grasslands and open woodlands throughout California from the north coast to San Diego County, below 3000 ft elevation.
Care Guide
Planting
Plant Fivespot in full sun or partial shade - afternoon shade is especially important if you're in a hot, dry part of the Bay Area. Choose a spot with fast or medium drainage and loose, nutrient-rich soil; it prefers sandy soil but will tolerate regular garden soil. Since this is a cool-season annual native to the Sierra foothills, plant it in fall or early winter so it flowers in spring. Space plants to accommodate their low, compact growth habit (0.5–1.0 ft tall), making them ideal for containers and small beds.
After Planting
Water weekly during the first growing season to establish the plant, then cut back to a maximum of twice monthly once it's established, especially during summer. This is a low-water plant that tolerates cold down to 0°F, so the main challenge in the Bay Area is heat and dryness - if you're in a hot inland area, provide afternoon shade and supplemental water to keep it happy. Fivespot will self-sow in your garden, so if you want to prevent volunteer seedlings next year, deadhead spent flowers or pull plants after they finish blooming in spring.
Wildlife Supported
Insects
caterpillar host plant for endemic California butterfly subspecies
larval host plant for endemic California moth
larval host plant for California endemic moth