This species was traditionally placed in the family Hydrophyllaceae. However, research in the early 21st century has recognized its close affinity with the family Boraginaceae and has demoted its rank to a subfamily of the Boraginaceae. We have adopted this treatment here, but some authorities have maintained the family Hydrophyllaceae as distinct and there is some chance that it will be reinstated[].

Common Name:

General Information

Romanzoffia californica is a perennial plant that can grow up to 0.30 metres tall
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

Western N. America - western Oregon to central California

Habitat

Wet cliffs and ledges at lower elevations in the coastal ranges[]. Moist woodland[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.30 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Requires a well-drained moist gritty lime-free humus-rich soil in a cool position in semi to full shade[].
This species is very closely related to R. sitchensis[].

Edible Uses

Leaves - raw[].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - we have no information for this species but suggest sowing the seed as soon as it is ripe in a greenhouse. Sow stored seed in early spring in a greenhouse. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
Division when the plant is dormant[].