Leptosiphon floribundus subsp. floribundus
(c) Matt Berger, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Matt Berger · licence
Family: Polemoniaceae · Type: Subshrub · Native
Leptosiphon floribundus subsp. floribundus is a native California subshrub in the Polemoniaceae family, recognized by hairy throughout distinguishes from subsp. glaber.
Many-flowered leptosiphon is a California native perennial found in southern Gabilan Mountains, southern Brownells, and Peninsular Ranges in open and wooded areas at elevations below 2,300 meters. Flowering from March to August, this plant produces delicate white to pale pink flowers clustered in small, intricate groups. Growing with slender stems 10 to 20 centimeters tall, it forms compact, somewhat spreading clusters with fine, soft branching. Its leaves are finely divided with narrow, thread-like segments that are soft and hairy, giving the plant a delicate, feathery appearance. The plant's stems, leaves, and flower calyxes are consistently covered in soft, fine hairs, contributing to its gentle, textured aesthetic.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 9 sympatric species; hairy throughout distinguishes from subsp. glaber
Habitat and range
Habitat: Open, wooded areas
Elevation: < 2300 m
California counties: Riverside, San Diego, Orange, San Bernardino
Bloom period
Leptosiphon floribundus subsp. floribundus blooms Mar-Aug.
How to tell it apart
vs Linanthus: Leptosiphon flowers open in daytime on stalks >2mm; Linanthus flowers often open at dusk/night on very short stalks.; vs Phlox: Leptosiphon leaves are deeply divided into fingers; Phlox leaves are completely undivided.; vs Navarretia: Leptosiphon has soft, flexible leaf lobes; Navarretia has rigid, spine-tipped leaf lobes and bracts.; vs Gilia: Leptosiphon has opposite palmately-lobed leaves; Gilia has alternate pinnately-lobed leaves.; vs Sabulina: Leptosiphon has tubular 5-petaled flowers and lobed leaves; Sabulina has 5 separate petals and needle-like leaves.
Frequently asked questions
Is Leptosiphon floribundus subsp. floribundus native to California?
Yes. Leptosiphon floribundus subsp. floribundus is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Leptosiphon floribundus subsp. floribundus bloom?
Leptosiphon floribundus subsp. floribundus blooms Mar-Aug.
Where in California does Leptosiphon floribundus subsp. floribundus grow?
Leptosiphon floribundus subsp. floribundus occurs in Riverside, San Diego, Orange, San Bernardino, at elevations of < 2300 m.
What plant family does Leptosiphon floribundus subsp. floribundus belong to?
Leptosiphon floribundus subsp. floribundus is in the Polemoniaceae family, genus Leptosiphon.
What habitat does Leptosiphon floribundus subsp. floribundus grow in?
Leptosiphon floribundus subsp. floribundus grows in Open, wooded areas.
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.