Leptosiphon pygmaeus

Leptosiphon pygmaeus is a species of flowering plant in the phlox family known by the common name pygmy linanthus.

Distribution

It is native across much of California, including the western Sierra Nevada, Central Valley, California Coast Ranges, Transverse Ranges, and Peninsular Ranges. It is also native to the California Channel Islands, and Guadalupe Island off the coast of Baja California.
It can be found below in open or wooded areas in hills, mountains, and valleys, and in many types of habitats including chaparral, oak woodland, grassland, and yellow pine forest.

Description

Leptosiphon pygmaeus is a petite annual herb growing high. It has tiny threadlike leaves.
The inflorescence is an open array of minute light to deep pink flowers wide, with rich yellow throats. The bloom period is March to July.

Subspecies

Leptosiphon pygmaeus subsp. continentalis — mainland distribution in coastal ranges.
Leptosiphon pygmaeus subsp. pygmaeus — Pygmy desert-gold, endemic to coastal sage scrub on San Clemente Island and Guadalupe Island. It is a Critically endangered species.