Linanthus californicus subsp. californicus
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Family: Polemoniaceae · Type: Shrub · Native
Linanthus californicus subsp. californicus is a native California shrub in the Polemoniaceae family.
California linanthus is a California native shrub found in scrub and forest habitats at elevations below 1,500 meters. Flowering from January to July, this plant produces delicate pink flowers with distinctive lobed structures. Growing with stems covered in short, 1 to 4-celled hairs that range from sparse to dense, it forms a compact shrubby form. Its leaves feature 3 to 5 narrow lobes, with the longest lobe measuring 4 to 6 millimeters in length. The plant's intricate pink blossoms and multi-lobed leaves make it a subtle yet charming component of California's native plant communities.
Habitat and range
Habitat: Scrub, forest
Elevation: < 1500 m
Bloom period
Linanthus californicus subsp. californicus blooms Jan-Jul.
How to tell it apart
vs Phlox: Linanthus has alternate leaves; Phlox has opposite leaves paired along the stem.; vs Leptosiphon: Linanthus has rigid, sharp leaf tips and nocturnal flowers; Leptosiphon has soft leaf tips and day-blooming flowers.; vs Gilia: Linanthus has wheel-shaped flowers with lobes longer than tube; Gilia has narrow funnel flowers with tube longer than lobes.; vs Coleonema: Linanthus has palm-divided leaves and phlox flowers; Coleonema has needle-like leaves and 5-petaled star flowers.; vs Navarretia: Linanthus has open wheel flowers and non-spiny leaves; Navarretia has tiny tube flowers hidden in spiny bracts.
Frequently asked questions
Is Linanthus californicus subsp. californicus native to California?
Yes. Linanthus californicus subsp. californicus is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Linanthus californicus subsp. californicus bloom?
Linanthus californicus subsp. californicus blooms Jan-Jul.
What plant family does Linanthus californicus subsp. californicus belong to?
Linanthus californicus subsp. californicus is in the Polemoniaceae family, genus Linanthus.
What habitat does Linanthus californicus subsp. californicus grow in?
Linanthus californicus subsp. californicus grows in Scrub, forest.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-08
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.