Baby Blue Eyes (Nemophila menziesii)

On March 4, 2024, the Rancho Cordova City Council voted Baby Blue Eyes as the official City of Rancho Cordova flower.

Baby Blue Eyes, a small, trailing annual, six inches tall and one foot wide, is well-known for its bright blue, five-petaled, bowl-shaped flowers with white centers that occur in clusters at the branch tips. Their low-growing habit makes them a good choice for the edges of borders, rock gardens and containers. The name Nemophila comes from the Greek "nemos" meaning "small forest" and "phileo" meaning "to love." Baby Blue Eyes is found throughout California - in meadows, grasslands, chaparral, woodlands, slopes and desert washes. You can see Baby Blue Eyes along the American River in Rancho Cordova, and in other areas of the city, too.

Plant Baby Blue Eyes in Your Yard!

While supplies last, visit Rancho Cordova City Hall to pick up your free seed sheet of Baby Blue Eyes, After you plant your seeds, send us photos of Baby Blue Eyes in your garden by posting them to Facebook, Instagram or X using the hashtag #ranchocordovainspires.

Baby Blue Eyes Seed Growing Tips

• Place seeds individually, and lightly cover with soil.
• Provide moist and loamy soil, and plant in partial shade to partial sun.
• Do not allow the soil to dry out.
• Once your Baby Blue Eyes have gained some height, and the stems and leaves are established, plan to irrigate a few times a month in the absence of rain, or whenever the soil is dry a few inches down.
• This species is moderately drought tolerant but be sure to pay attention and keep the soil moist without drenching it.

Ceremonial Planting at City Hall Photo Album

Photography credit: Ayden Gregory Photography

Background

In Fall 2023, the Rancho Cordova City Council expressed interest in identifying an official city flower with input from the community. The City of Rancho Cordova would like to identify an official city flower to promote the city’s positive image and enhance beautification efforts.

All 50 states have adopted various symbols, and all have flower symbols to represent their state. The practice dates to the late 1800’s, and a “National Garland of Flowers” was created for the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago, made up of flowers from each state. Cities and communities also adopt symbols, such as flowers. Cities in the region, including Sacramento and Roseville, have adopted city flowers.

Several factors were considered while researching potential city flower options. The provided options are not on the CAL-IPC list of invasive plant species or the California Department of Fish and Wildlife threatened and endangered plant profile list. The flowers below are also not on the California Native Plant Society rare plant list. Flowers native to the area were also prioritized.

• Iris
• Sage
• Yarrow
• Clarkia
• Tidy Tips
• Baby Blue Eyes 

Contact

For more information or questions on the city flower process, contact Stacy Delaney at sdelaney@cityofranchocordova.org or 916.851.8878.