Leptosiphon parviflorus
variable linanthus
SunFull Sun – Part Shade
Overview
Leptosiphon parviflorus is a slender spring annual of western North America, growing 4-14 inches (10-35 cm) tall on thin, wiry stems. The leaves are palmately divided into narrow, needle-like segments that give a whorled look at the nodes. From April to June the plant produces salverform flowers with a long narrow tube 0.5-1 inch (1.5-2.5 cm) long opening to five flat lobes 0.3-0.5 inch (8-12 mm) across, in shades of cream, pale yellow, white, or pink, often with a darker throat. The flowers open in daylight and close in shade or evening. Leptosiphon parviflorus grows in open grassland, chaparral, oak woodland, and rocky slopes, mainly in California and adjacent western states. It germinates with winter rain and flowers in spring before the soil dries, completing its cycle in a single season. The narrow flower tube suits long-tongued bees and flies that reach the nectar. Flower color varies between and within populations, the source of the name variable linanthus. It grows only where winter and spring moisture allow and disappears in summer.
Native Range
Leptosiphon parviflorus is native to western North America, centered in California and extending into Oregon and Baja California. It grows in grassland, chaparral, oak woodland, and open rocky slopes.Suggested Uses
Leptosiphon parviflorus is used in wildflower meadows, rock gardens, and native annual mixes, sown 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) apart. Its early bloom supports small spring pollinators. It suits dry, sunny sites that receive winter rain and dry out in summer.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4" - 1'2"
Width/Spread3" - 6"
Bloom Information
Flowers open from April to June, in daylight, and close in shade or at dusk. Bloom lasts 3 to 5 weeks and ends as the soil dries in early summer. Color ranges from cream and yellow to white and pink across plants.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
cream, yellow, white, or pinkFoliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Water & Climate
Water Needs
Drought Tolerance
Drought tolerant when established
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Leptosiphon parviflorus grows in full sun to light shade and dry, well-drained sandy or rocky soil of low fertility. It depends on winter and spring rainfall and is sown from seed in autumn where winters are mild. Water is given only if spring rains fail, since the plant completes its cycle quickly. It self-sows where bare open ground remains. No fertilizer is needed, and rich soil reduces flowering. The tiny seed is scattered on the surface and lightly pressed in, as it needs light to germinate.Pruning
No pruning is needed for this small annual. Plants are left in place to set and drop seed. Spent plants are cleared once the foliage dries in early summer.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons
✓ Toxicity
Non-toxicPlanting Guide
Planting Methods & Timing
Planting Method
direct sow
Direct Sow Timing
Autumn in mild-winter climates
Days to Maturity
70–100 days
Plant Spacing
5 inches
Companion Planting
Good Companions