Leptosiphon montanus
Mustang clover
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Family: Polemoniaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Leptosiphon montanus (Mustang clover) is a native California herb in the Polemoniaceae family, recognized by long maroon tubes, Sierra foothills habitat, and purple-spotted petals diagnostic.
Mustang clover is a native annual found in the Sierra Nevada Mountains in dry woodland openings at elevations of 300 to 1,700 meters. Flowering from April to July, this plant produces white or pink flowers with distinctive purple spots at the base, set against a maroon corolla tube and yellow throat. Growing 10 to 60 centimeters tall with hairy stems, it forms delicate clusters with white-fringed bracts. Its leaves are divided into 20 to 30 millimeter linear lobes, creating a fine, feathery appearance. The flower's intricate coloration—white or pink petals with a purple basal spot—makes it a striking presence in its woodland habitat.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 9 sympatric species; long maroon tubes, Sierra foothills habitat, and purple-spotted petals diagnostic
Habitat and range
Habitat: dry openings in woodland
Elevation: 300-1700 m
California counties: Fresno, Madera, Kern, Tulare, El Dorado, Amador, Mariposa, Tuolumne, Tehama, Shasta, Calaveras
Bloom period
Leptosiphon montanus blooms Apr-Jul.
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 montanus native to California?
Yes. Leptosiphon montanus is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Leptosiphon montanus bloom?
Leptosiphon montanus blooms Apr-Jul.
Where in California does Leptosiphon montanus grow?
Leptosiphon montanus occurs in Fresno, Madera, Kern, Tulare, El Dorado, Amador, Mariposa, Tuolumne and other counties, at elevations of 300-1700 m.
What plant family does Leptosiphon montanus belong to?
Leptosiphon montanus is in the Polemoniaceae family, genus Leptosiphon.
What habitat does Leptosiphon montanus grow in?
Leptosiphon montanus grows in dry openings in woodland.
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.