Saltugilia splendens subsp. grantii
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Family: Polemoniaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Saltugilia splendens subsp. grantii is a native California herb in the Polemoniaceae family, recognized by large corolla size (20-36 mm) vs other subspecies at 10-23 mm.
Grant's saltugilia is a California native annual herb found in the San Gabriel and San Bernardino Mountains in openings within chaparral and forest on rocky soil at elevations of 800 to 2,400 meters. Flowering from May to August, this plant produces delicate flowers with a corolla 20 to 36 millimeters long, featuring a distinctive tubular shape 7 to 18 millimeters in length. Growing with slender stems emerging from rocky ground, it spreads in small clusters across its mountain habitats. Its fine leaves are likely finely divided, typical of the saltugilia genus, creating a delicate textural appearance in its rocky mountain environments. The flowers are prominently larger than the surrounding calyx, creating a striking visual display against the rugged landscape.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 4 sympatric species; large corolla size (20-36 mm) vs other subspecies at 10-23 mm
Habitat and range
Habitat: Openings in chaparral or forest, rocky soil
Elevation: 800-2400 m
California counties: San Bernardino, Los Angeles, Monterey, Fresno
Bloom period
Saltugilia splendens subsp. grantii blooms May-Aug.
How to tell it apart
vs Gilia: Saltugilia lacks white cobwebby hairs; Gilia has distinctive white cobwebby or bent hairs.; vs Navarretia: Wet the seeds - Saltugilia seeds stay dry; Navarretia seeds become gelatinous and sticky.; vs Erodium: Saltugilia has radially symmetric flowers; Erodium has bilateral flowers and long-beaked fruits.; vs Leptosiphon: Saltugilia has bell/funnel flowers in clusters; Leptosiphon has tubular flowers with spreading lobes.; vs Stephanomeria: Saltugilia has simple flowers; Stephanomeria has dandelion-like flower heads with only ray flowers.
Frequently asked questions
Is Saltugilia splendens subsp. grantii native to California?
Yes. Saltugilia splendens subsp. grantii is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Saltugilia splendens subsp. grantii bloom?
Saltugilia splendens subsp. grantii blooms May-Aug.
Where in California does Saltugilia splendens subsp. grantii grow?
Saltugilia splendens subsp. grantii occurs in San Bernardino, Los Angeles, Monterey, Fresno, at elevations of 800-2400 m.
What plant family does Saltugilia splendens subsp. grantii belong to?
Saltugilia splendens subsp. grantii is in the Polemoniaceae family, genus Saltugilia.
What habitat does Saltugilia splendens subsp. grantii grow in?
Saltugilia splendens subsp. grantii grows in Openings in chaparral or forest, rocky soil.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
- Saltugilia splendens subsp. splendens
- Saltugilia australis — Southern gilia
- Saltugilia caruifolia — Caraway-leaved woodland-gilia
- Saltugilia latimeri — Latimer's woodland-gilia
- Saltugilia sp.
- Saltugilia splendens — Splendid woodland-gilia
- Aliciella humillima — Smallest aliciella
- Aliciella hutchinsifolia — Desert pale aliciella
- Aliciella latifolia subsp. latifolia — Broad-leaved aliciella
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.