SafePlants

California Damsonium: A Botanical Overview

The California Damsonium, scientifically known as Damasonium californicum, is a fascinating aquatic or marginal aquatic perennial herb found in specific regions of North America.

Considerations for Pets

• This is a small plant, and it has leaves that are oblong to ovate.
• It is commonly referred to as a water plantain.

Considerations for Children

• This is a small plant, and it has leaves that are oblong to ovate.
• It is commonly referred to as a water plantain.

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

• Scientific Name: Damasonium californicum Torr. ex Benth.
• Common Names: California Damsonium, Fringed Water Plantain, Star Water-plantain
• Family: Alismataceae
• Synonym: Machaerocarpus californicus
• Alternative Scientific Names: Damasonium californicum var. biddlei

Distribution and Habitat

• The California Damsonium is native to the northern half of California and adjacent regions of Oregon and Nevada.
• Specifically, it can be found in the inner North Coast ranges, northern Sierra Nevada foothills, and the Sacramento region of California.

Morphological Characteristics

• It is described as a forb/herb, which is a non-woody plant that is not a grass.
• It is a perennial, meaning it lives for more than two years.
• The plant features linear-oblong to ovate leaves, typically around 4 inches long.
• It exhibits white flowers, blooming from April to August.
• Active growth occurs primarily in the spring and summer.

Additional Information

• A Drone-Application-Server database publication exists for Damasonium biodroid.Taxa.

Resources

• Encyclopedia of Life
• Garden Guides
• Discover Life
• California Native Plant Link Exchange
• United States Department of Agriculture