Githopsis pulchella var. pulchella
Largeflower bluecup
Photo: parent species Githopsis pulchella · no rights reserved · CC0
Family: Campanulaceae · Type: Annual · Native
Githopsis pulchella var. pulchella (Largeflower bluecup) is a native California annual in the Campanulaceae family, recognized by largest flowers in genus.
Largeflower bluecup is a California native annual found in northern and central Sierra Nevada in grassy openings on serpentine and non-serpentine soils at elevations of 30 to 1,220 meters. Flowering from May to June, this plant produces delicate bluish-purple flowers with corollas 13 to 24 millimeters long. Growing with slender stems covered in short, rough hairs, it reaches heights of 10 to 30 centimeters. Its leaves are small and delicate, with fine textures that complement the plant's slender growth habit. The sepals are notably elongated, measuring 8 to 16 millimeters in length.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Geographically isolated; largest flowers in genus
Habitat and range
Habitat: Grassy openings on serpentine, non-serpentine soils
Elevation: 30-1220 m
Bloom period
Githopsis pulchella var. pulchella blooms May-Jun.
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 pulchella var. pulchella native to California?
Yes. Githopsis pulchella var. pulchella is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Githopsis pulchella var. pulchella bloom?
Githopsis pulchella var. pulchella blooms May-Jun.
What plant family does Githopsis pulchella var. pulchella belong to?
Githopsis pulchella var. pulchella is in the Campanulaceae family, genus Githopsis.
What habitat does Githopsis pulchella var. pulchella grow in?
Githopsis pulchella var. pulchella grows in Grassy openings on serpentine, non-serpentine soils.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-09-30
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.