Leptosiphon chrysanthus subsp. decorus

Family: Polemoniaceae · Type: annual · Native

Leptosiphon chrysanthus subsp. decorus is a California native annual found in the Mojave Desert in pinyon-pine, oak, and juniper woodland and desert flats at elevations below 2,000 meters. Flowering from March to May, this delicate annual produces white flowers with a distinctive maroon throat, creating a striking visual contrast. Growing with slender stems typically 10 to 30 centimeters tall, it forms compact clusters in open desert landscapes. Its leaves are finely divided, creating a feathery appearance that helps the plant blend into its arid habitat. The flower's white petals with a deep maroon center make this small annual a subtle but beautiful component of desert woodland ecosystems.

Habitat: Pinyon-pine/oak/juniper woodland, desert flats

Bloom period: Mar-May

Elevation: < 2000 m

Bioregions: DMoj

California counties: San Bernardino, San Diego, Ventura

Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Jepson eFlora, Cal-IPC, and more.