Leptosiphon nuttallii subsp. pubescens
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Family: Polemoniaceae · Type: Subshrub · Native
Leptosiphon nuttallii subsp. pubescens is a native California subshrub in the Polemoniaceae family, recognized by high elevation SNE distribution with gray-green densely hairy leaves.
Nuttall's leptosiphon is a California native perennial found in the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains in dry flats and forest openings at elevations of 2,800 to 3,500 meters. Flowering from June to August, this delicate plant produces pale flowers with gray-green, densely hairy foliage. Growing with slender stems up to 20 centimeters tall, it forms small, compact clusters in alpine and subalpine environments. Its leaves are distinctively divided into 5 to 10 millimeter lobes, covered in soft gray-green hairs that give the plant a soft, muted appearance. The plant's intricate structure and subtle coloration make it a charming component of high-elevation mountain landscapes.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 4 sympatric species; high elevation SNE distribution with gray-green densely hairy leaves
Habitat and range
Habitat: dry flats, openings in forest
Elevation: 2800-3500 m
California counties: Inyo, Mono, San Bernardino
Outside California: to Nevada
Bloom period
Leptosiphon nuttallii subsp. pubescens 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. pubescens native to California?
Yes. Leptosiphon nuttallii subsp. pubescens is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Leptosiphon nuttallii subsp. pubescens bloom?
Leptosiphon nuttallii subsp. pubescens blooms Jun-Aug.
Where in California does Leptosiphon nuttallii subsp. pubescens grow?
Leptosiphon nuttallii subsp. pubescens occurs in Inyo, Mono, San Bernardino, at elevations of 2800-3500 m.
What plant family does Leptosiphon nuttallii subsp. pubescens belong to?
Leptosiphon nuttallii subsp. pubescens is in the Polemoniaceae family, genus Leptosiphon.
What habitat does Leptosiphon nuttallii subsp. pubescens grow in?
Leptosiphon nuttallii subsp. pubescens grows in dry flats, 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.