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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.

California mistmaiden (Romanzoffia californica)
Photo: (c) Roger Raiche, some rights reserved (CC BY)

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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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.

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Ready to grow California mistmaiden? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.