When does Meadowfoam bloom?

Limnanthes douglasii blooms from March through June, producing distinctive white flowers with yellow centers.

Where is Meadowfoam native?

Meadowfoam is native to California and Oregon, where it naturally occurs in wet meadows and seasonal pools.

What pollinators visit Meadowfoam?

Meadowfoam attracts bees and butterflies, which are important pollinators for this native wildflower.

What growing conditions does Meadowfoam prefer?

Limnanthes douglasii grows best in full sun to partial sun with medium to high water availability, making it well-suited for wet meadow conditions.

Is Meadowfoam HOA-friendly?

Meadowfoam is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.

Meadowfoam

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Limnanthes douglasii

Last reviewed: July 2026

Limnanthes douglasii (Meadowfoam) is a California and Oregon native wildflower that blooms white flowers from March through June. This annual forb thrives in full sun with medium to high water conditions.

Meadowfoam (Limnanthes douglasii) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org (opens in new tab), last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

medium

Size

4"–12" H × 6"–18" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May, Jun

Native to

CA, OR

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Sierra Nevada Central California Valley Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains

Meadowfoam is a low-growing native annual with cheerful white and yellow cup-shaped flowers that bloom in spring. It creates a beautiful carpet effect when planted en masse, typically spreading 6-18 inches with small, delicate foliage.

Growing Meadowfoam

Grow Meadowfoam in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 4 to 12 inches tall and spread 6 to 18 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Meadowfoam is an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.

Works well in: mid zone, front yard.

Dies back after blooming and may look messy
Annual nature means bare spots if not self-seeding
Informal appearance may not suit formal landscapes

Wildlife value

Meadowfoam is highly attractive to native bees and butterflies, providing valuable nectar and pollen during its spring bloom period.

Common questions

When does Meadowfoam bloom?: Limnanthes douglasii blooms from March through June, producing distinctive white flowers with yellow centers.
Where is Meadowfoam native?: Meadowfoam is native to California and Oregon, where it naturally occurs in wet meadows and seasonal pools.
What pollinators visit Meadowfoam?: Meadowfoam attracts bees and butterflies, which are important pollinators for this native wildflower.
What growing conditions does Meadowfoam prefer?: Limnanthes douglasii grows best in full sun to partial sun with medium to high water availability, making it well-suited for wet meadow conditions.
Is Meadowfoam toxic to dogs?: Meadowfoam is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
Is Meadowfoam toxic to cats?: Meadowfoam is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
Is Meadowfoam HOA-friendly?: Meadowfoam is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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

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