Leptosiphon nuttallii subsp. nuttallii
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Family: Polemoniaceae · Type: Subshrub · Native
Leptosiphon nuttallii subsp. nuttallii is a native California subshrub in the Polemoniaceae family, recognized by green sparsely hairy leaf lobes vs gray densely hairy in subsp. howellii.
Nuttall's leptosiphon is a California native perennial found in the Klamath Ranges, northern Coast Ranges, Cascade Range, and Warner Mountains in openings within forest habitats at elevations of 500 to 2,200 meters. Flowering from June to August, this plant produces delicate white flowers in small clusters. Growing with slender stems 10 to 30 centimeters tall, it forms a compact, low-growing cluster. Its finely divided leaves have green lobes 5 to 10 millimeters long, sparsely covered in soft hairs. When in bloom, the plant creates a delicate, lacy appearance in forest clearings.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 16 sympatric species; distinguished by green sparsely hairy leaf lobes vs gray densely hairy in subsp. howellii
Habitat and range
Habitat: Openings in forest
Elevation: 500-2200 m
California counties: Modoc, Humboldt, Plumas, Riverside, San Diego, Mono, Siskiyou
Outside California: to British Columbia, Rocky Mountains, northern Mexico
Bloom period
Leptosiphon nuttallii subsp. nuttallii blooms Jun-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 nuttallii subsp. nuttallii native to California?
Yes. Leptosiphon nuttallii subsp. nuttallii is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Leptosiphon nuttallii subsp. nuttallii bloom?
Leptosiphon nuttallii subsp. nuttallii blooms Jun-Aug.
Where in California does Leptosiphon nuttallii subsp. nuttallii grow?
Leptosiphon nuttallii subsp. nuttallii occurs in Modoc, Humboldt, Plumas, Riverside, San Diego, Mono, Siskiyou, at elevations of 500-2200 m.
What plant family does Leptosiphon nuttallii subsp. nuttallii belong to?
Leptosiphon nuttallii subsp. nuttallii is in the Polemoniaceae family, genus Leptosiphon.
What habitat does Leptosiphon nuttallii subsp. nuttallii grow in?
Leptosiphon nuttallii subsp. nuttallii grows in Openings in forest.
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.