Small Baby Blue Eyes
Nemophila heterophylla
Care
full sun, part shade
low
well-draining, sandy or gravelly soil
0–0ft tall , 0–1ft wide
Mar-May
Deciduous
Resistant
Friendly
Prized
Coastal scrub and grassland of central California from Monterey County to San Luis Obispo County, below 2000 ft elevation
Care Guide
Planting
Plant Small Baby Blue Eyes in fall or early spring in a spot with full sun to part shade. It needs well-draining soil - sandy or gravelly soil is ideal, so amend heavy clay with sand or gravel before planting. Space plants about 4–8 inches apart since they stay small (under a foot tall). This California native is tough enough for Bay Area conditions and doesn't need rich soil.
After Planting
Water weekly during the first growing season to establish the plant, then taper off as it matures since it's a low-water plant once established. Let the soil dry between waterings - overwatering is the main killer of this delicate annual. Expect blooms from March through May, and remember this is a deciduous annual, so it will naturally die back after flowering and seeding; you don't need to do much pruning beyond deadheading spent flowers if you want to extend the bloom period.
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Endangered & Threatened Species Supported
California state threatened species
Wildlife Supported
Insects
caterpillar development on foliage during spring blooms
pollen foraging during plant flowering period
pollen collection for larval provisions
indirect food plant for bee nesting sites
caterpillar host plant during early spring
plant association through parasitoid ecology
caterpillar feeding on emerging foliage
larval development on foliage during spring growth period
+1 more species