Gayophytum diffusum subsp. diffusum
Photo: parent species Gayophytum diffusum · (c) Justin, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Justin · licence
Family: Onagraceae · Type: Herb · Native
Gayophytum diffusum subsp. diffusum is a native California herb in the Onagraceae family, recognized by . Key features: large petals 3-7mm, exserted hemispheric stigma.
Spreading groundcover is a California native annual found in the northern Sierra Nevada Mountains, northern California Ranges, Warner Mountains, and San Bernardino Mountains in open montane forest and sagebrush scrub at elevations of 800 to 3,700 meters. Flowering from May to September, this delicate plant produces small white to pale pink flowers with petals 3 to 7 millimeters long. Growing with multiple branching stems that spread across the ground, the plant reaches 10 to 30 centimeters in width. Its leaves are small and narrowly shaped, arranged alternately along the stems with a sparse, open structure. The plant's distinctive stigma extends beyond its anthers, creating a unique profile in its mountain and scrubland habitats.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 8 sympatric species. Key features: large petals 3-7mm, exserted hemispheric stigma
Habitat and range
Habitat: Uncommon in California. Open montane forest, sagebrush scrub
Elevation: 800-3700 m
California counties: San Bernardino, Plumas, Tehama, Tulare, Alpine, Kern, Modoc, Fresno, Madera, Nevada, Tuolumne, Lassen, Los Angeles, Colusa, Sierra, Siskiyou, Shasta, San Benito, El Dorado
Outside California: western United States to British Columbia, Baja California
Bloom period
Gayophytum diffusum subsp. diffusum blooms May-Sep.
How to tell it apart
vs Epilobium: Gayophytum is a wiry, much-branched annual with tiny flowers and short straight capsules whose seeds lack plumes; Epilobium has long linear capsules that split to release seeds tufted with hairs (coma).; vs Camissonia: Gayophytum has a very short or absent floral tube, so the petals appear to sit right on the ovary; the Camissonia group has a distinct floral tube above the ovary and generally yellow flowers.; vs Oenothera: Gayophytum is a slender diffuse annual with minute (1-2 mm) flowers; Oenothera (evening primrose) has large showy flowers on a long floral tube.; vs Clarkia: Gayophytum flowers are tiny with plain entire petals; Clarkia has larger, often lobed or clawed petals and 4-grooved capsules.; vs Eremothera: Gayophytum has a threadlike branching habit with short capsules held along the stem; Eremothera and Chylismia have basal rosette leaves and longer tubular-based flowers.
Frequently asked questions
Is Gayophytum diffusum subsp. diffusum native to California?
Yes. Gayophytum diffusum subsp. diffusum is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Gayophytum diffusum subsp. diffusum bloom?
Gayophytum diffusum subsp. diffusum blooms May-Sep.
Where in California does Gayophytum diffusum subsp. diffusum grow?
Gayophytum diffusum subsp. diffusum occurs in San Bernardino, Plumas, Tehama, Tulare, Alpine, Kern, Modoc, Fresno and other counties, at elevations of 800-3700 m.
What plant family does Gayophytum diffusum subsp. diffusum belong to?
Gayophytum diffusum subsp. diffusum is in the Onagraceae family, genus Gayophytum.
What habitat does Gayophytum diffusum subsp. diffusum grow in?
Gayophytum diffusum subsp. diffusum grows in Uncommon in California. Open montane forest, sagebrush scrub.
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.