Navarretia hamata subsp. leptantha
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Family: Polemoniaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Navarretia hamata subsp. leptantha is a native California herb in the Polemoniaceae family, recognized by linear leaves and exserted corolla tube distinguish from other hamata subspecies.
Navarretia hamata subsp. leptantha is a California native annual found in southern California coastal regions, including the Southern California Coast, Channel Islands, and Peninsular Ranges, in dry sandy and rocky coastal chaparral places at elevations below 700 meters. Flowering from April to June, this delicate plant produces small flowers with narrow, intricate petals. Growing with slender stems and finely divided linear leaves, it forms compact clusters with gland-dotted bracts. Its leaves feature an axis with thin, thread-like linear lobes, creating a delicate and intricate botanical structure. The plant's flower corolla tube extends beyond the calyx, with small lobes measuring 2 to 3 millimeters long.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 11 sympatric species; linear leaves and exserted corolla tube distinguish from other hamata subspecies
Habitat and range
Habitat: Dry, sandy, rocky places in coastal chaparral
Elevation: < 700 m
California counties: San Diego, San Bernardino, Los Angeles, Riverside, Orange, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Ventura
Outside California: Baja California
Bloom period
Navarretia hamata subsp. leptantha blooms Apr-Jun.
How to tell it apart
vs Leptosiphon: Navarretia has spiny, thistle-like flower heads; Leptosiphon has open flower clusters without spines.; vs Gilia: Navarretia has very short glandular hairs; Gilia has white cobwebby or bent hairs.; vs Eriastrum: Navarretia flower heads are spiny but not woolly; Eriastrum heads are densely woolly-white.; vs Saltugilia: Wet the seeds - Navarretia seeds become gelatinous; Saltugilia seeds stay dry.; vs Eryngium: Navarretia has tubular flowers in heads; Eryngium has tiny separate flowers and divided leaves.
Frequently asked questions
Is Navarretia hamata subsp. leptantha native to California?
Yes. Navarretia hamata subsp. leptantha is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Navarretia hamata subsp. leptantha bloom?
Navarretia hamata subsp. leptantha blooms Apr-Jun.
Where in California does Navarretia hamata subsp. leptantha grow?
Navarretia hamata subsp. leptantha occurs in San Diego, San Bernardino, Los Angeles, Riverside, Orange, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Ventura, at elevations of < 700 m.
What plant family does Navarretia hamata subsp. leptantha belong to?
Navarretia hamata subsp. leptantha is in the Polemoniaceae family, genus Navarretia.
What habitat does Navarretia hamata subsp. leptantha grow in?
Navarretia hamata subsp. leptantha grows in Dry, sandy, rocky places in coastal chaparral.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.