California mistmaiden
Romanzoffia californica
Last reviewed: October 2026
California mistmaiden (Romanzoffia californica) is a perennial forb native to CA, OR. It blooms in March, April, and May. The flowers draw small native bees and flies.

Toxicity unknown
California mistmaiden (Romanzoffia californica) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
3"–10" H × 4"–8" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May
Native to
CA, OR
Pollinators
small native bees, flies
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 458 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
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Browse plants for this ecoregion
A small, delicate perennial with rounded, scalloped leaves forming a low rosette and clusters of small white flowers in early spring. Grows in seepy, mossy spots on coastal cliffs and dies back cleanly by summer.
Growing California mistmaiden
Grow California mistmaiden in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 3 to 10 inches tall and spread 4 to 8 inches wide.
Wildlife value
Its early spring flowers provide nectar to small native bees and flies in seep habitat.
Common questions
- How much sun does California mistmaiden need?
- California mistmaiden grows best in part shade conditions.
- When does California mistmaiden bloom?
- California mistmaiden blooms in March, April, and May.
- Where is California mistmaiden native?
- California mistmaiden (Romanzoffia californica) is native to CA, OR, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does California mistmaiden attract?
- California mistmaiden draws small native bees and flies.
Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow California mistmaiden? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
