Gilia latiflora subsp. cuyamensis
Cuyama gilia, Cuyama Gilia
(c) Florian Boyd, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · licence
Family: Polemoniaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 4.3
Gilia latiflora subsp. cuyamensis (Cuyama gilia) is a native California herb in the Polemoniaceae family, recognized by . Key features: glaucous stem, elongate pedicels, moderate flower size.
Cuyama gilia is a native annual herb found in southern Sierra Cascades, northern Transverse Ranges, and southern Sierra Nevada Foothills, particularly near Lake Isabella, in sandy flats and pinyon-juniper woodlands at elevations of 600 to 2,100 meters. Flowering from March to May, this delicate plant produces purple-based flowers with elongating pedicels, forming slender blossoms 9 to 16 millimeters long. Growing with smooth, bluish-green stems 6 to 25 centimeters tall, it displays a graceful, upright structure. Its leaves are likely fine and delicate, complementing the plant's slender form with an elegant appearance. The small fruits measure 3 to 6 millimeters in length, completing this subtle yet charming wildflower's seasonal display.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 25 sympatric species. Key features: glaucous stem, elongate pedicels, moderate flower size
Habitat and range
Habitat: Sandy flats, pinyon/juniper woodland, lower river valleys
Elevation: 600-2100 m
California counties: Ventura, Kern, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, Tulare
Bloom period
Gilia latiflora subsp. cuyamensis blooms Mar-May.
Conservation status
CNPS 4.3
How to tell it apart
vs Saltugilia: Gilia has white cobwebby or sharply bent hairs; Saltugilia has translucent, barely glandular hairs.; vs Navarretia: Gilia has cobwebby/bent hairs; Navarretia has very short uniform glandular hairs and spiny flower heads.; vs Phacelia: Gilia has white cobwebby hairs; Phacelia has coiled flower clusters and straight bristly hairs.; vs Allophyllum: Gilia has white cobwebby or bent hairs; Allophyllum has long fuzzy glandular hairs.; vs Aliciella: Gilia has funnel-shaped flowers; Aliciella has wheel-shaped flowers with spreading lobes.
Frequently asked questions
Is Gilia latiflora subsp. cuyamensis native to California?
Yes. Gilia latiflora subsp. cuyamensis is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Gilia latiflora subsp. cuyamensis bloom?
Gilia latiflora subsp. cuyamensis blooms Mar-May.
Where in California does Gilia latiflora subsp. cuyamensis grow?
Gilia latiflora subsp. cuyamensis occurs in Ventura, Kern, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, Tulare, at elevations of 600-2100 m.
What plant family does Gilia latiflora subsp. cuyamensis belong to?
Gilia latiflora subsp. cuyamensis is in the Polemoniaceae family, genus Gilia.
Is Gilia latiflora subsp. cuyamensis rare or endangered?
Gilia latiflora subsp. cuyamensis carries California Rare Plant Rank 4.3, state rank S4.
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.