Leptosiphon rosaceus
Rose leptosiphon
(c) 2011 Genevieve K. Walden, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · licence
Family: Polemoniaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.1
Leptosiphon rosaceus (Rose leptosiphon) is a native California herb in the Polemoniaceae family, recognized by coastal habitat, long tubes, and large petals diagnostic.
Rose leptosiphon is a rare (CNPS 1B.1) California native annual found in northern California Coast ranges on open, grassy slopes and coastal bluffs at near sea level elevation. Flowering from April to June, this delicate plant produces pink and white flowers with a yellow throat, arranged in small heads, with blossoms 6 to 9 millimeters long. Growing with low, hairy stems 3 to 18 centimeters tall, it spreads in small, compact clusters across coastal landscapes. Its leaves feature 5 to 12 millimeter lobes that are narrowly obovate to linear, with rounded tips, creating a soft, delicate green backdrop to its distinctive blooms. The plant's slender salverform corolla tube ranges from 19 to 28 millimeters long, with stamens extending beyond the flower's throat.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 7 sympatric species; coastal habitat, long tubes, and large petals diagnostic
Habitat and range
Habitat: Open, grassy slopes, coastal bluffs
Elevation: +- 0 m.
California counties: San Mateo
Bloom period
Leptosiphon rosaceus blooms Apr-Jun.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.1
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 rosaceus native to California?
Yes. Leptosiphon rosaceus is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Leptosiphon rosaceus bloom?
Leptosiphon rosaceus blooms Apr-Jun.
Where in California does Leptosiphon rosaceus grow?
Leptosiphon rosaceus occurs in San Mateo, at elevations of +- 0 m..
What plant family does Leptosiphon rosaceus belong to?
Leptosiphon rosaceus is in the Polemoniaceae family, genus Leptosiphon.
Is Leptosiphon rosaceus rare or endangered?
Leptosiphon rosaceus carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.1, state rank S1.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CNPS Rare Plant Inventory · Index of California Plant Names · 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.