Aphyllon californicum subsp. grayanum
Photo: parent species Aphyllon californicum · (c) Jo "Cirque" Stormer, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Orobanchaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Aphyllon californicum subsp. grayanum is a native California herb in the Orobanchaceae family.
Aphyllon grayanum is a California native perennial found in moderately moist meadows and stream margins in the Sierra Nevada Mountains at elevations of 1,200 to 1,800 meters. Flowering from May to August, this plant produces flowers ranging from white to pale purple with delicate lavender veins, growing in small clusters on compact stems. Growing just 4 to 10 centimeters tall with branching or unbranched stems rarely exceeding 5 centimeters long, it forms low, modest clusters in its habitat. Its flowers feature a distinctive corolla tube that gradually widens from 20 to 30 millimeters, with lips that transition subtly between white, yellow, and pale purple tones. The plant's diminutive size and intricate flower coloration make it a charming, easily overlooked inhabitant of mountain meadow environments.
Habitat and range
Habitat: Uncommon. Moderately moist meadows, stream margins, on
Elevation: 1200-1800 m
Outside California: to Washington
Bloom period
Aphyllon californicum subsp. grayanum blooms May-Aug.
How to tell it apart
vs Orobanche: Aphyllon and Orobanche are now considered the same genus; check current taxonomy.; vs Oenothera: Aphyllon is parasitic without green leaves; Oenothera has normal green leaves and grows independently.; vs Kopsiopsis: Aphyllon is hairy with separated bracts; Kopsiopsis is hairless with tightly overlapping bracts.; vs Pholisma: Aphyllon has upright purple flower spikes; Pholisma has round white flower heads at ground level.; vs Diplacus: Aphyllon is parasitic without green leaves; Diplacus has normal green leaves and colorful snapdragon flowers.
Frequently asked questions
Is Aphyllon californicum subsp. grayanum native to California?
Yes. Aphyllon californicum subsp. grayanum is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Aphyllon californicum subsp. grayanum bloom?
Aphyllon californicum subsp. grayanum blooms May-Aug.
What plant family does Aphyllon californicum subsp. grayanum belong to?
Aphyllon californicum subsp. grayanum is in the Orobanchaceae family, genus Aphyllon.
What habitat does Aphyllon californicum subsp. grayanum grow in?
Aphyllon californicum subsp. grayanum grows in Uncommon. Moderately moist meadows, stream margins, on.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.