Linanthus dichotomus subsp. dichotomus
Evening snow, Evening Snow
Photo: parent species Linanthus dichotomus · Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Polemoniaceae · Type: Annual · Native
Linanthus dichotomus subsp. dichotomus (Evening snow) is a native California annual in the Polemoniaceae family, recognized by large evening flowers, glaucous stems, and widespread distribution.
Evening snow is a California native annual found throughout California (excluding the North Coast) in drying openings, particularly on serpentine soils at elevations below 1,800 meters. Flowering from April to June, this delicate plant produces white flowers that typically open in the evening and close during most of the day, with corollas 15 to 33 millimeters long. Growing with distinctive dichotomously branching stems, it forms a delicate, spreading habit close to the ground. Its leaves are typically narrow and finely divided, creating a light, airy appearance typical of its genus. The plant's evening-blooming characteristic makes it a unique and charming addition to California's serpentine landscapes.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 17 sympatric species; large evening flowers, glaucous stems, and widespread distribution
Habitat and range
Habitat: Common. Drying openings, especially serpentine
Elevation: < 1800 m
California counties: Fresno, San Bernardino, Kern, San Diego, Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara, Inyo, Sutter, Santa Clara, San Luis Obispo, Lake, Stanislaus, Madera, San Benito, Monterey, Mono, Orange, Tuolumne, Tulare, San Joaquin, Riverside
Outside California: Nevada, Arizona
Bloom period
Linanthus dichotomus subsp. dichotomus blooms Apr-Jun.
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 dichotomus subsp. dichotomus native to California?
Yes. Linanthus dichotomus subsp. dichotomus is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Linanthus dichotomus subsp. dichotomus bloom?
Linanthus dichotomus subsp. dichotomus blooms Apr-Jun.
Where in California does Linanthus dichotomus subsp. dichotomus grow?
Linanthus dichotomus subsp. dichotomus occurs in Fresno, San Bernardino, Kern, San Diego, Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara, Inyo and other counties, at elevations of < 1800 m.
What plant family does Linanthus dichotomus subsp. dichotomus belong to?
Linanthus dichotomus subsp. dichotomus is in the Polemoniaceae family, genus Linanthus.
What habitat does Linanthus dichotomus subsp. dichotomus grow in?
Linanthus dichotomus subsp. dichotomus grows in Common. Drying openings, especially serpentine.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-09-30
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.