Gayophytum oligospermum
Pinegrove gayophytum
Family: Onagraceae · Type: Herb · Native
Gayophytum oligospermum (Pinegrove gayophytum) is a native California herb in the Onagraceae family, recognized by . Key features: very knobby fruits, only 1-5 seeds, fruit = pedicel length.
Pinegrove gayophytum is a California native annual found in the Transverse and Peninsular Ranges in open pine forest at elevations of 1,200 to 2,800 meters. Flowering from June to October, this plant produces small white to pale pink flowers approximately 1.5 to 2.5 millimeters long. Growing with slender stems up to 70 centimeters tall that branch extensively, particularly in the upper portions, with multiple secondary branches. Its leaves are relatively long, measuring 1.5 to 6 centimeters, becoming progressively smaller toward the stem's upper sections. The fruit is distinctively knobby, measuring 4 to 9 millimeters long and containing 3 to 5 alternate seeds.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 6 sympatric species. Key features: very knobby fruits, only 1-5 seeds, fruit = pedicel length
Habitat and range
Habitat: Open pine forest
Elevation: 1200-2800 m
California counties: San Bernardino, Los Angeles, San Diego, Riverside, Kern, Santa Barbara, Ventura
Bloom period
Gayophytum oligospermum blooms Jun-Oct.
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 oligospermum native to California?
Yes. Gayophytum oligospermum is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Gayophytum oligospermum bloom?
Gayophytum oligospermum blooms Jun-Oct.
Where in California does Gayophytum oligospermum grow?
Gayophytum oligospermum occurs in San Bernardino, Los Angeles, San Diego, Riverside, Kern, Santa Barbara, Ventura, at elevations of 1200-2800 m.
What plant family does Gayophytum oligospermum belong to?
Gayophytum oligospermum is in the Onagraceae family, genus Gayophytum.
What habitat does Gayophytum oligospermum grow in?
Gayophytum oligospermum grows in Open pine forest.
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.