Linanthus californicus subsp. tomentosus
fuzzy prickly- phlox
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Family: Polemoniaceae · Type: Subshrub · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 4.2
Linanthus californicus subsp. tomentosus (fuzzy prickly- phlox) is a native California subshrub in the Polemoniaceae family, recognized by Prickly-phlox of stabilized coastal dunes (<100 m); pale-pink corolla; 3-5 short lobes.
Fuzzy prickly-phlox is a California native shrub with a rare (CNPS 4.2) status, found in stabilized coastal dunes at elevations below 100 meters. Flowering from January to July, this plant produces pale pink flowers with delicate, soft petals. Growing with stems covered in moderate to dense single-celled hairs, it forms a compact shrubby structure. Its leaves feature three to five lobes, with the longest lobe measuring 4 to 6 millimeters in length. The plant's distinctive hairy texture and pale pink blossoms make it a unique component of coastal dune ecosystems.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Prickly-phlox of stabilized coastal dunes (<100 m); pale-pink corolla; 3-5 short lobes
Habitat and range
Habitat: Stabilized coastal dunes
Elevation: < 100 m
Bloom period
Linanthus californicus subsp. tomentosus blooms Jan-Jul.
Conservation status
CNPS 4.2
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. tomentosus native to California?
Yes. Linanthus californicus subsp. tomentosus is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Linanthus californicus subsp. tomentosus bloom?
Linanthus californicus subsp. tomentosus blooms Jan-Jul.
What plant family does Linanthus californicus subsp. tomentosus belong to?
Linanthus californicus subsp. tomentosus is in the Polemoniaceae family, genus Linanthus.
Is Linanthus californicus subsp. tomentosus rare or endangered?
Linanthus californicus subsp. tomentosus carries California Rare Plant Rank 4.2, state rank S3.
What habitat does Linanthus californicus subsp. tomentosus grow in?
Linanthus californicus subsp. tomentosus grows in Stabilized coastal dunes.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos · CDFW CNDDB
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.