Githopsis diffusa
San Gabriel bluecup
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Family: Campanulaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Githopsis diffusa (San Gabriel bluecup) is a native California herb in the Campanulaceae family, recognized by including subspecies; key features are ovary shape and rib pattern.
San Gabriel bluecup is a California native annual found in rocky or disturbed areas at low to mid-elevation ranges. Flowering from April to June, this plant produces delicate white to deep blue flowers in small, narrowly funnel-shaped corollas that are 2.5 to 4.5 times longer than wide. Growing with slender stems ranging from 2 to 30 centimeters tall, the plant can be either clambering or erect with a variable growth habit. Its small leaves measure 3 to 15 millimeters long, typically arranged along the stems with linear or oblanceolate bracts. The plant's distinctive ovary features 10 ribs, with those at the sinuses appearing slightly narrower, creating an intricate botanical structure.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 8 sympatric species including subspecies; key features are ovary shape and rib pattern
Habitat and range
California counties: Mendocino, Kern, Riverside, Los Angeles, San Bernardino, San Diego, Monterey, Sonoma, Alameda, Butte, Calaveras, Contra Costa, Glenn, Humboldt, Lake, Napa, Marin, Mariposa, San Luis Obispo, San Mateo, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, Shasta, Trinity, Ventura, Amador
How to tell it apart
vs Campanula: Campanula flowers on stalks along stem; Githopsis flowers cluster at stem tips with ragged-opening capsules.; vs Asyneuma: Asyneuma has 2-4 flowers per node along stem; Githopsis has flowers massed at stem tips.; vs Triodanis: Triodanis flowers press to stem in leaf joints; Githopsis flowers cluster at stem tips.; vs Heterocodon: Heterocodon flowers press to stem with huge leafy sepals; Githopsis flowers sit at stem tips with small bracts.
Frequently asked questions
Is Githopsis diffusa native to California?
Yes. Githopsis diffusa is native to California (recorded as native).
Where in California does Githopsis diffusa grow?
Githopsis diffusa occurs in Mendocino, Kern, Riverside, Los Angeles, San Bernardino, San Diego, Monterey, Sonoma and other counties.
What plant family does Githopsis diffusa belong to?
Githopsis diffusa is in the Campanulaceae family, genus Githopsis.
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.