Leptosiphon pygmaeus subsp. pygmaeus
Pygmy leptosiphon, Pygmy Leptosiphon
Photo: parent species Leptosiphon pygmaeus · (c) Millie Basden, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Polemoniaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.2
Leptosiphon pygmaeus subsp. pygmaeus (Pygmy leptosiphon) is a native California herb in the Polemoniaceae family, recognized by Limited to SW California; subspecies-level distinctions not clearly defined.
Pygmy leptosiphon is a rare (CNPS 1B.2) California native annual found on San Clemente Island in dry openings at elevations below 500 meters. Flowering in April, this delicate plant produces small blue flowers. Growing with slender stems just a few centimeters tall, it forms compact clusters in its island habitat. Its tiny leaves are finely divided, typical of the leptosiphon genus. As an endemic to San Clemente Island, this diminutive annual represents a unique component of the island's distinctive plant community.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Limited to SW California; subspecies-level distinctions not clearly defined
Habitat and range
Habitat: dry openings
Elevation: < 500 m
Outside California: Baja California (Guadalupe Island)
Bloom period
Leptosiphon pygmaeus subsp. pygmaeus blooms Apr.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.2
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 pygmaeus subsp. pygmaeus native to California?
Yes. Leptosiphon pygmaeus subsp. pygmaeus is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Leptosiphon pygmaeus subsp. pygmaeus bloom?
Leptosiphon pygmaeus subsp. pygmaeus blooms Apr.
What plant family does Leptosiphon pygmaeus subsp. pygmaeus belong to?
Leptosiphon pygmaeus subsp. pygmaeus is in the Polemoniaceae family, genus Leptosiphon.
Is Leptosiphon pygmaeus subsp. pygmaeus rare or endangered?
Leptosiphon pygmaeus subsp. pygmaeus carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.2, state rank S1.
What habitat does Leptosiphon pygmaeus subsp. pygmaeus grow in?
Leptosiphon pygmaeus subsp. pygmaeus grows in dry openings.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos · CDFW CNDDB
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.