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Meadowfoam

Limnanthes albafam. Limnanthaceae
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Plant identification, safety, and edibility depend on local conditions, cultivars, and correct identification. Consult a qualified botanist or forager before consuming or handling wild specimens. How we source & review →
edibleannualannualedibleedible leafherbnative ampollinator friendly
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Limnanthes alba (Meadowfoam) — botanical photograph
Pl. E668 — Limnanthes alba
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Overview

Meadowfoam (Limnanthes alba), a light-loving annual forb or herb, is native to the coastal regions of California and Oregon. This plant thrives in moist environments with well-drained soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). Known for its edible seeds, meadowfoam has gained attention for its culinary uses. Its white, daisy-like flowers appear early in the spring, adding a splash of color to the landscape. Meadowfoam grows up to 0.2 meters tall and prefers full sun, making it an attractive addition to gardens and natural settings. While it is native to California and Oregon, meadowfoam can be cultivated in similar conditions, providing a hardy and ornamental addition to temperate gardens. Its ability to produce oil from its seeds also makes it useful for various applications, though caution should be exercised when handling the plant, as no medicinal claims are supported by the provided data.

Quick answers

What is Meadowfoam?

Meadowfoam (Limnanthes alba), a light-loving annual forb or herb, is native to the coastal regions of California and Oregon. This plant thrives in moist environments with well-drained soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay).

Growingconditions · propagation · uses
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Cultivation

Meadowfoam thrives in full sun and prefers moist conditions, making it suitable for garden beds that retain some moisture but are not overly wet. It grows well in light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) soils, though it is best adapted to lighter soil types. As an annual forb/herb, meadowfoam requires regular watering to maintain its moisture needs. This plant can reach a height of 0.2 meters and is native to California and Oregon, suggesting it may be hardy in temperate regions. For propagation, seeds can be sown directly into the garden bed after the last frost, ensuring they receive ample sunlight for optimal growth.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Annual
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.2 m tall
For first-time growers

How to grow Meadowfoam for the first time

8steps

Start with easy care and quick results by planting Meadowfoam in your garden.

  1. 1

    What you'll need

    Seeds, a small trowel or scoop.

  2. 2

    Best time to plant

    Plant seeds in early spring after the last frost.

  3. 3

    Soil and container prep

    Choose light (sandy), medium, or heavy soil. Ensure good drainage.

  4. 4

    Sowing or transplanting

    Direct sow seeds 0.5 cm deep and about 10-15 cm apart in moist soil.

  5. 5

    First two weeks

    Keep the soil consistently moist to help seedlings establish.

  6. 6

    Ongoing care

    Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Provide full sun exposure.

  7. 7

    Harvest or pruning

    Prune dead flowers to encourage more blooms and maintain plant health.

  8. 8

    Common mistakes

    Overwatering, planting in poor soil, neglecting to prune dead flowers.

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Edible & utility

Edible uses: Oil
Other uses:oil
Contextrange · companions · related
VII

Distribution

2 native · 0 introduced
Distribution across0 continents· 2 native
Broader regions
native:California, Oregon
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Specimen gallery

1 image
Limnanthes alba (Meadowfoam) — botanical photograph
Meadowfoam (Limnanthes alba)
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Explore further

Companion planting
XII

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