Collinsia latifolia
(c) Ryan Sorrells, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Plantaginaceae · Native
Collinsia latifolia is a native California plant in the Plantaginaceae family, recognized by 1 look-alike (C. wrightii); broad leaves 2–5× longer than wide; N ranges; glandular staining infl.
Collinsia latifolia is a California native found in the Klamath Ranges, North Coast Ranges High, Cascade Ranges High, and Modoc Plateau bioregions in conifer forest, often in sandy soil, at elevations from 1,000 to 2,500 meters. Flowering from June to August, this 5 to 25 centimeter plant bears elliptic to ovate leaves and an open, densely glandular inflorescence with strongly reflexed, S-shaped pedicels. Its corolla is 6 to 9 millimeters long, with a blue to lavender-purple throat and lower lip contrasting with a white to pale lavender upper lip.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 1 look-alike (C. wrightii); broad leaves 2–5× longer than wide; N ranges; glandular staining infl.
Habitat and range
Habitat: Conifer forest, often in sandy soil
Elevation: 1000--2500 m
Outside California: southern Oregon
Bloom period
Collinsia latifolia blooms Jun--Aug.
How to tell it apart
vs Penstemon: Collinsia has stamens hidden in keeled lower lip; Penstemon has stamens visible with one sterile 'beard.'; vs Stachys: Collinsia has a keeled lower petal hiding stamens; Stachys has square stems and flowers in tight whorls.; vs Lupinus: Collinsia has snapdragon-like flowers; Lupinus has pea-family flowers with banner, wings, and keel.; vs Linaria: Collinsia has keeled lower lip hiding stamens; Linaria has spurred flowers with protruding stamens.
Frequently asked questions
Is Collinsia latifolia native to California?
Yes. Collinsia latifolia is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Collinsia latifolia bloom?
Collinsia latifolia blooms Jun--Aug.
What plant family does Collinsia latifolia belong to?
Collinsia latifolia is in the Plantaginaceae family, genus Collinsia.
What habitat does Collinsia latifolia grow in?
Collinsia latifolia grows in Conifer forest, often in sandy soil.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora
Last updated 2026-10-08
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.