Linanthus maculatus subsp. maculatus
Little San Bernardino Mtns. linanthus
(c) Matt Berger, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Polemoniaceae · Type: Perennial · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.2
Linanthus maculatus subsp. maculatus (Little San Bernardino Mtns. linanthus) is a native California perennial in the Polemoniaceae family, recognized by key difference is presence of red basal spots on corolla lobes.
Little San Bernardino Mountains linanthus is a rare (CNPS 1B.2) California native perennial found in sandy washes and flats at elevations of 900 to 1,100 meters. Flowering from April to May, this plant produces delicate white flowers with distinctive red spots at the base of each corolla lobe. Growing with slender stems typically 10 to 20 centimeters tall, it forms compact clusters in its desert habitat. Its leaves are finely divided, creating a delicate, lacy appearance typical of the linanthus genus. The plant's small but striking flowers with their red basal markings provide a subtle yet distinctive accent to the sandy landscapes of southern California.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 14 sympatric species; key difference is presence of red basal spots on corolla lobes
Habitat and range
Habitat: Sandy washes, flats
Elevation: 900-1100 m
Bloom period
Linanthus maculatus subsp. maculatus blooms Apr-May.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.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 maculatus subsp. maculatus native to California?
Yes. Linanthus maculatus subsp. maculatus is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Linanthus maculatus subsp. maculatus bloom?
Linanthus maculatus subsp. maculatus blooms Apr-May.
What plant family does Linanthus maculatus subsp. maculatus belong to?
Linanthus maculatus subsp. maculatus is in the Polemoniaceae family, genus Linanthus.
Is Linanthus maculatus subsp. maculatus rare or endangered?
Linanthus maculatus subsp. maculatus carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.2, state rank S2.
What habitat does Linanthus maculatus subsp. maculatus grow in?
Linanthus maculatus subsp. maculatus grows in Sandy washes, flats.
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 2026-09-15
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.