Overview
Nemophila menziesii is a low, spreading annual wildflower of California, growing 4-12 inches (10-30 cm) tall and 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) wide with weak, branching stems that sprawl across the ground. The soft, hairy leaves are 0.5-1.5 inches (1-4 cm) long and pinnately lobed into rounded segments. From late winter into spring, the stems carry bowl-shaped flowers 0.5-1.5 inches (1-4 cm) across, sky-blue with a pale to white center, the source of the common name baby blue eyes. Some forms show dark spots or veining toward the petal edges. The species grows naturally on grassy slopes, in open woodland, and in moist depressions below 5,000 feet (1,500 m), completing its life cycle in a single season. It germinates with fall and winter rains, blooms in spring, sets seed, and dies as the soil dries. Plants reseed where conditions suit them, returning year to year from self-sown seed. Limitations include a short bloom season, brittle stems that break easily, and a decline once hot, dry summer weather arrives. The shallow roots need steady moisture during active growth, and plants fade quickly in drought.
Native Range
Nemophila menziesii is native to California and adjacent Oregon and Baja California, growing on grassy hillsides, in open woodland, and in moist swales from the coast to the Sierra foothills.Suggested Uses
Grown in wildflower meadows, native plant gardens, and as a spring groundcover under taller plants. Used in containers and hanging baskets where the stems trail over the edge. Combined with other California annuals for naturalized spring color.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4" - 1'
Width/Spread6" - 1'
Bloom Information
Bloom runs from late winter into late spring, generally March through May, and earlier in mild coastal areas. Individual flowers last a few days, with the plant flowering steadily for four to six weeks. Cool, moist conditions extend the display, while heat ends it. Seed capsules form as flowers fade.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Sky-blue with white centerFoliage Description
Green, deeply lobedGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Water & Climate
Water Needs
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in full sun along the coast and in part shade inland, in moist, well-drained loam or sandy soil at a pH of 6.0-7.5. Seed sown in fall germinates with winter rain for early spring bloom; spring sowing also works in cooler regions. Soil should stay evenly moist during growth, as plants wilt and fade quickly when dry. No fertilizer is needed in average garden soil. The brittle stems are easily damaged by foot traffic or heavy rain. Plants self-sow where the ground is left undisturbed.Pruning
No pruning is needed. Shearing lightly after the first flush can bring a second, smaller round of bloom in cool conditions. Plants are left in place at season end to self-seed, then cleared once they brown.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons
✓ Toxicity
Non-toxicPlanting Guide
Planting Methods & Timing
Planting Method
direct sow
Direct Sow Timing
Fall or early spring
Days to Maturity
60–90 days
Plant Spacing
6 inches
Companion Planting
Good Companions