Saltugilia splendens subsp. splendens
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Family: Polemoniaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Saltugilia splendens subsp. splendens is a native California herb in the Polemoniaceae family, recognized by intermediate corolla size and elevation range distinguish from subsp. grantii.
Saltugilia splendens is a native annual herb found in southern California Ranges, Transverse Ranges, and San Jacinto Mountains in chaparral and forest openings with rocky soils at elevations of 300 to 2,200 meters. Flowering from May to August, this plant produces delicate flowers with corollas 10 to 23 millimeters long, featuring a flower tube significantly longer than the calyx. Growing with slender stems that spread or rise from the ground, it forms compact clusters in its rocky habitat. Its leaves are likely finely divided, typical of its genus, contributing to its delicate appearance in open woodland and chaparral settings. The plant's compact size and intricate flower structure make it a subtle but distinctive component of its native Mediterranean-climate ecosystems.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 5 sympatric species; intermediate corolla size and elevation range distinguish from subsp. grantii
Habitat and range
Habitat: Openings in chaparral or forest, rocky soil
Elevation: 300-2200 m
California counties: Los Angeles, Ventura, San Bernardino, Riverside, Monterey, Santa Barbara, Santa Clara, Kern
Bloom period
Saltugilia splendens subsp. splendens 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. splendens native to California?
Yes. Saltugilia splendens subsp. splendens is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Saltugilia splendens subsp. splendens bloom?
Saltugilia splendens subsp. splendens blooms May-Aug.
Where in California does Saltugilia splendens subsp. splendens grow?
Saltugilia splendens subsp. splendens occurs in Los Angeles, Ventura, San Bernardino, Riverside, Monterey, Santa Barbara, Santa Clara, Kern, at elevations of 300-2200 m.
What plant family does Saltugilia splendens subsp. splendens belong to?
Saltugilia splendens subsp. splendens is in the Polemoniaceae family, genus Saltugilia.
What habitat does Saltugilia splendens subsp. splendens grow in?
Saltugilia splendens subsp. splendens grows in Openings in chaparral or forest, rocky soil.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
- Saltugilia australis — Southern gilia
- Saltugilia caruifolia — Caraway-leaved woodland-gilia
- Saltugilia latimeri — Latimer's woodland-gilia
- Saltugilia sp.
- Saltugilia splendens — Splendid woodland-gilia
- Saltugilia splendens subsp. grantii
- Aliciella humillima — Smallest aliciella
- Aliciella hutchinsifolia — Desert pale aliciella
- Aliciella latifolia subsp. latifolia — Broad-leaved aliciella
- Aliciella leptomeria — Sand 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.