Leptosiphon lemmonii
Lemmon's linanthus
Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Polemoniaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Leptosiphon lemmonii (Lemmon's linanthus) is a native California herb in the Polemoniaceae family, recognized by very short tube (1-3mm) and SW California range diagnostic.
Lemmon's linanthus is a California native annual found in southwestern and western desert regions in dry openings, chaparral, woodland, and desert habitats at elevations below 1,900 meters. Flowering from April to June, this delicate plant produces light yellow flowers with yellow or white lobes and a maroon throat, arranged in small heads. Growing with hairy, glandular stems 5 to 15 centimeters tall, it forms compact clusters in open landscapes. Its leaves feature narrow linear lobes 2 to 5 millimeters long, creating a fine, feathery appearance. The flower's distinctive funnel-shaped corolla has a hairy internal ring, giving the plant a unique texture and visual character.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 14 sympatric species; very short tube (1-3mm) and SW California range diagnostic
Habitat and range
Habitat: dry openings generally inland, chaparral, woodland, desert
Elevation: < 1900 m
California counties: Riverside, San Diego, San Bernardino, Imperial, Los Angeles
Outside California: Baja California
Bloom period
Leptosiphon lemmonii blooms Apr-Jun.
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 lemmonii native to California?
Yes. Leptosiphon lemmonii is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Leptosiphon lemmonii bloom?
Leptosiphon lemmonii blooms Apr-Jun.
Where in California does Leptosiphon lemmonii grow?
Leptosiphon lemmonii occurs in Riverside, San Diego, San Bernardino, Imperial, Los Angeles, at elevations of < 1900 m.
What plant family does Leptosiphon lemmonii belong to?
Leptosiphon lemmonii is in the Polemoniaceae family, genus Leptosiphon.
What habitat does Leptosiphon lemmonii grow in?
Leptosiphon lemmonii grows in dry openings generally inland, chaparral, woodland, desert.
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.