Gambelia speciosa
Showy island snapdragon, showy greenbright, Showy Greenbright
(c) Eric Knight, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Eric Knight · licence
Family: Plantaginaceae · Type: Shrub · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.2
Gambelia speciosa (Showy island snapdragon) is a native California shrub in the Plantaginaceae family, recognized by Endemic genus representing island evolution in the snapdragon family, with very limited distribution.
Showy island snapdragon is a rare (CNPS 1B.2) California native perennial found in southern Channel Islands in rocky cliffs and canyons at elevations of 3 to 500 meters. Flowering from March to June, this plant produces bright red flowers 2 to 2.5 centimeters long with distinctive arching, pendulous stems. Growing up to 1 meter tall and spreading to 2 meters wide, it develops whorled leaves that are relatively thick. Its leaves are arranged in whorls on mature plants, with opposite arrangement on seedlings, creating a distinctive architectural form. In fruit, the plant develops asymmetric ovoid seed capsules 6 to 7 millimeters long with a notably larger lower chamber.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Endemic genus representing island evolution in the snapdragon family, with very limited distribution
Habitat and range
Habitat: Rocky cliffs, canyons
Elevation: 3-500 m
California counties: Los Angeles
Outside California: Baja California (Guadalupe Island)
Bloom period
Gambelia speciosa blooms Mar-Jun.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.2
How to tell it apart
vs Uta: Uta is a side-blotched lizard; Gambelia is a red-flowered plant with whorled leaves.; vs Aspidoscelis: Aspidoscelis is a whiptail lizard; Gambelia is a plant with bright red flowers.; vs Dipsosaurus: Dipsosaurus is a desert iguana; Gambelia is a coastal cliff plant with red tubular flowers.; vs Sceloporus: Sceloporus is a spiny lizard; Gambelia is a flowering plant with leaves in threes.; vs Callisaurus: Callisaurus is a zebra-tailed lizard; Gambelia is a plant with whorled leaves and red flowers.
Frequently asked questions
Is Gambelia speciosa native to California?
Yes. Gambelia speciosa is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Gambelia speciosa bloom?
Gambelia speciosa blooms Mar-Jun.
Where in California does Gambelia speciosa grow?
Gambelia speciosa occurs in Los Angeles, at elevations of 3-500 m.
What plant family does Gambelia speciosa belong to?
Gambelia speciosa is in the Plantaginaceae family, genus Gambelia.
Is Gambelia speciosa rare or endangered?
Gambelia speciosa carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.2, state rank S3.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CNPS Rare Plant Inventory · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos · CDFW CNDDB
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.