Githopsis diffusa subsp. filicaulis
Mission canyon bluecup, Mission Canyon Bluecup
Photo: parent species Githopsis diffusa · no rights reserved · CC0
Family: Campanulaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.2
Githopsis diffusa subsp. filicaulis (Mission canyon bluecup) is a native California herb in the Campanulaceae family, recognized by 3 sympatric subspecies; very thin stems and pale flowers.
Mission canyon bluecup is a California native annual found in the Peninsular Ranges of San Diego and Riverside counties in moist or disturbed areas at elevations of 220 to 800 meters. Flowering in May, this delicate plant produces white or pale blue flowers in small, funnel-shaped corollas approximately 1.5 to 5 millimeters long. Growing with decumbent stems 8 to 25 centimeters long and exceptionally slender upper stems less than half a millimeter wide, it spreads close to the ground. Its small leaves measure 3 to 10 millimeters in length, complementing the plant's subtle and graceful form. The tiny inflorescence bracts range from 1 to 5 millimeters, adding to the plant's understated botanical elegance.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 3 sympatric subspecies; very thin stems and pale flowers are diagnostic
Habitat and range
Habitat: Moist or disturbed areas
Elevation: 220-800 m
Bloom period
Githopsis diffusa subsp. filicaulis blooms May.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.2
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 subsp. filicaulis native to California?
Yes. Githopsis diffusa subsp. filicaulis is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Githopsis diffusa subsp. filicaulis bloom?
Githopsis diffusa subsp. filicaulis blooms May.
What plant family does Githopsis diffusa subsp. filicaulis belong to?
Githopsis diffusa subsp. filicaulis is in the Campanulaceae family, genus Githopsis.
Is Githopsis diffusa subsp. filicaulis rare or endangered?
Githopsis diffusa subsp. filicaulis carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.2, state rank S1.
What habitat does Githopsis diffusa subsp. filicaulis grow in?
Githopsis diffusa subsp. filicaulis grows in Moist or disturbed areas.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · 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.