Eriastrum sapphirinum subsp. ambiguum

Short-bract woolly-star

Family: Polemoniaceae · Type: annual · Native

Short-bract woolly-star is a California native annual found in desert scrub and arid woodland across open areas, slopes, and floodplains at elevations of 390 to 2,200 meters. Flowering from April to July, this delicate plant produces striking flowers in blue, lavender, and white hues, with petals often featuring darker blue or purple spots and veins. Growing 3.5 to 25 centimeters tall with erect to spreading branches, it has a woolly texture that becomes sparser as the plant matures. Its leaves range from 6 to 44 millimeters long, varying from entire to multi-lobed, with lower leaves typically having fewer lobes than upper leaves. The plant's small capsule fruit and distinctive flower coloration make it a charming and intricate component of arid California landscapes.

Habitat: Open areas on slopes, floodplains, flats near washes, disturbed areas, in desert scrub, arid woodland

Bloom period: Apr-Jul

Elevation: 390-2200 m

Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Jepson eFlora, Cal-IPC, and more.