Navarretia is a genus of about 30 species of flowering plants related to the phloxes and the gilias. This is one genus of plants, among others, which are sometimes called pincushionplants. The inflorescence which bears the flowers is surrounded by frilly green bracts bearing soft spines, giving it the appearance of a pincushion. Several species are members of the vernal pool ecosystem.
The complete flower head of the plant is arranged in a way that makes it look like a pin cushion. 