Gruvelia pusilla
Little gruvelia
(c) Matt Berger, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Boraginaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Gruvelia pusilla (Little gruvelia) is a native California herb in the Boraginaceae family, recognized by Native monotypic genus representing an ancient lineage within Boraginaceae, with unique cross-shaped fruit arrangement.
Little gruvelia is a California native annual herb found in grassland, chaparral, and woodland habitats across dry, semi-barren sites at elevations of 100 to 1,800 meters. Flowering from March to June, this plant produces small white flowers in delicate, funnel-shaped corollas. Growing with ascending to erect stems 3 to 20 centimeters tall, often branching near the base, it has proximal leaves that are opposite and fused at the base while distal leaves become alternate. Its leaves transition from paired at the bottom to alternating toward the stem tips, creating a distinctive growth pattern. The fruit consists of four nutlets arranged in a cross-shaped pattern, each nutlet diamond-shaped and approximately 1.5 to 3 millimeters long.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Native monotypic genus representing an ancient lineage within Boraginaceae, with unique cross-shaped fruit arrangement
Habitat and range
Habitat: Dry, semi-barren sites in grassland, chaparral, woodland, roadsides
Elevation: 100-1800 m
Outside California: to Washington, possible waif in Chile
Bloom period
Gruvelia pusilla blooms Mar-Jun.
Frequently asked questions
Is Gruvelia pusilla native to California?
Yes. Gruvelia pusilla is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Gruvelia pusilla bloom?
Gruvelia pusilla blooms Mar-Jun.
What plant family does Gruvelia pusilla belong to?
Gruvelia pusilla is in the Boraginaceae family, genus Gruvelia.
What habitat does Gruvelia pusilla grow in?
Gruvelia pusilla grows in Dry, semi-barren sites in grassland, chaparral, woodland, roadsides.
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.