Limnanthes douglasii is a species of flowering plant in the meadowfoam family commonly known as poached egg plant and Douglas’ meadowfoam. It is native to California and Oregon, where it grows in wet, grassy habitat, such as vernal pools and spring meadows. It can grow in poorly drained clay soils. The plant was collected by the Scottish explorer and botanist David Douglas, who worked on the west coast of America in the 1820s. The plant usually bears white flowers with yellow centers, hence the name “poached egg plant”, but flower color can vary across subspecies. It is a popular ornamental plant. It attracts hoverflies to the garden to beat the aphids and is well loved by bees. It is self-seeding, and gardeners are often careful as to where the seeds fall as it will quite happily grow in a lawn. Description from calscape.org
Home > Plant Guide >
Scientific Name
Family
Garden Type
Wildlife
Native Plant Region
Light needs
Water Needs
Plant Type
Bloom Color(s)
Height
Width
Months in Bloom
Safe Beneath Power Lines?
We’d like to maintain accurate and robust plant listings. If you see information that is not correct or that could be added to improve the listing, please let us know. Or if you’d like to suggest a plant to add to our plant guide, you can use this form do so. Thank you!

Some introduced plant species can diminish biodiversity. Other plants produce poisons that can harm wildlife. Learn what plants to avoid when figuring out what to plant or remove in your outdoor space.

Get involved by sharing and mapping the birds, animals and nature around you to help the community understand the biodiversity in our neighborhood.

Check out our list of local wildlife-supporting plant stores and nurseries, organizations, and community science opportunities.

Learn about diversifying the way architecture is taught and practiced from designers of color.

Take a virtual tour of Capitol hill with naturalist and author David B. Williams and gain a new appreciation of the nature of the city and its wild side.

This workshop will guide you through the process and materials needed to help you decide if Mason Bees are right for you and your garden, whether you have a small deck or an open garden.
Nature of Your Neighborhood is a collaboration between Birds Connect Seattle, the Capitol Hill EcoDistrict, and the Seattle Bird Conservation Partnership. Our goal is to foster relationships between the people and the nature of their neighborhoods.