Linanthus dichotomus subsp. meridianus
Photo: parent species Linanthus dichotomus · Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Polemoniaceae · Type: Annual · Native
Linanthus dichotomus subsp. meridianus is a native California annual in the Polemoniaceae family, recognized by distinctive daytime flowering pattern.
Southern dichotomus linanthus is a California native annual herb found in northern San Francisco Bay and northern Coast Ranges in serpentine drying openings at elevations below 1,700 meters. Flowering from April to June, this plant produces delicate white to pale lavender flowers that open during the day and close in the evening. Growing with slender branching stems 5 to 15 centimeters tall, it forms loose, delicate clusters. Its narrow leaves are finely divided into linear segments, creating a delicate, lacy appearance. The flowers emerge in small, open clusters that create an intricate, web-like pattern across the serpentine landscape.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 2 sympatric species; distinctive daytime flowering pattern
Habitat and range
Habitat: Drying openings, especially serpentine
Elevation: < 1700 m
California counties: Tulare, Napa, Butte, Lake, Santa Clara, Monterey, Tehama, Glenn, Shasta, Colusa, Los Angeles
Bloom period
Linanthus dichotomus subsp. meridianus 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. meridianus native to California?
Yes. Linanthus dichotomus subsp. meridianus is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Linanthus dichotomus subsp. meridianus bloom?
Linanthus dichotomus subsp. meridianus blooms Apr-Jun.
Where in California does Linanthus dichotomus subsp. meridianus grow?
Linanthus dichotomus subsp. meridianus occurs in Tulare, Napa, Butte, Lake, Santa Clara, Monterey, Tehama, Glenn and other counties, at elevations of < 1700 m.
What plant family does Linanthus dichotomus subsp. meridianus belong to?
Linanthus dichotomus subsp. meridianus is in the Polemoniaceae family, genus Linanthus.
What habitat does Linanthus dichotomus subsp. meridianus grow in?
Linanthus dichotomus subsp. meridianus grows in 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.