About Blennosperma nanum (Hook.) S.F.Blake
Blennosperma nanum is an annual plant that produces small yellow flower heads. Its flower heads are a paler shade of yellow than most other daisy-like flowers. The ring of stamens on this plant oozes a viscous white juice that holds the plant’s pollen. Its fruits are also carried within a gluey fluid. The Greek genus name Blennosperma translates to “slimy seed”, in reference to this gluey fluid. This species is found across lower elevation areas of California, ranging from Shasta County to San Diego County, though it is never particularly abundant anywhere in this range. It grows as a native member of vernal pool plant communities. Glue-seed, another common name for this plant, is often one of the first flowers to bloom when winter transitions into spring. There are two recognized subspecies of Blennosperma nanum. Blennosperma nanum var. robustum, the Point Reyes subspecies sometimes called Point Reyes blennosperma, is very rare and only occurs in this isolated Point Reyes area. Blennosperma nanum var. nanum is much more common, and has the common names common blennosperma, yellow carpet, and meadow daisy.
