Meadowfoam
Limnanthes douglasii
Last reviewed: September 2026
Limnanthes douglasii is a low, spreading forb with white and yellow flowers that bloom from March through June. It favors full sun and moist soil, often growing in meadows and vernal pool margins in California and Oregon.
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
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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, with cup-shaped flowers that have white petals and yellow centers.
- What pollinators does meadowfoam attract?
- Bees and butterflies commonly visit Limnanthes douglasii flowers during its spring bloom, feeding on its nectar and pollen.
- How much water does meadowfoam need?
- Meadowfoam does best with medium water and tolerates wetter, seasonally saturated soil, reflecting its habit of growing near vernal pools and moist meadows.
- What light conditions suit meadowfoam best?
- Limnanthes douglasii grows best in full sun but can also tolerate part sun, especially in cooler coastal areas.
- 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.
These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.
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 Meadowfoam? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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