Family: Polemoniaceae
Author: Sims
Bibliography: Bot. Mag. 53: t. 2698 (1826)
Year: 1826
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Gilia
Vegetable: False
Observations: Alaska to W. U.S.A.
Description
The Blue thimble-flower, known scientifically as Gilia capitata, is a captivating member of the Polemoniaceae family. Renowned for its charming blooms, this plant was first described in detail in the mid-19th century, making its botanical debut in an 1826 publication by Sims in the Botanical Magazine.
This delicately beautiful flower can be found in its native range stretching from Alaska down through the western regions of the United States. Thriving in these areas, the Blue thimble-flower has adapted remarkably well to a variety of environments, contributing to its relatively widespread distribution.
The Gilia capitata is notable for its striking floral arrangement. The small, tubular flowers cluster together in tight, spherical groups resembling thimbles, a feature that aptly inspires its common name. Typically, the blooms exhibit a vibrant blue hue, though there can be variations depending on specific growing conditions and regional factors. These enchanting clusters not only add aesthetic value to wild landscapes but also attract a variety of pollinators, playing a significant role in the local ecosystem.
A quintessential example of the Polemoniaceae family’s diverse and colorful members, the Blue thimble-flower adds a touch of natural elegance to the terrains it inhabits. Its historical documentation and continued presence across its native range underscore its enduring botanical and ecological significance.
Common Names
Dan: almindelig blåhoved
Eng: blue thimble-flower, bluehead gilia, blue-thimble-flower, globe gilia, blue field gilia
Deu: nadelkissen-gilie, kopfblütige gilie
Swe: bollgilia
Hun: fejecskés gomolyvirág
Nld: hoofdjesgilia
Fra: gilie capitée
En: Blue thimble-flower, Bluehead gilia, Blue-thimble-flower, Globe gilia, Blue field gilia
Da: Almindelig Blåhoved
Nl: Hoofdjesgilia
Fi: Pallerokiurunkukka
Fr: Gilie capitée
De: Nadelkissen-Gilie, Kopfblütige Gilie
Hu: Fejecskés gomolyvirág
Nv: Atsá nátʼoh
Pt: Gília
Pt-br: Gília
Sv: Bollgilia
Synonyms
- Navarretia capitata ((Sims) Kuntze)
Distribution
- Arizona (native)
- California (native)
- Idaho (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Oregon (native)
- Utah (native)
- Vermont (native)
- Washington (native)
- Alaska (introduced)
- Austria (introduced)
- British Columbia (introduced)
- Czechoslovakia (introduced)
- Great Britain (introduced)
- Hawaii (introduced)
- Illinois (introduced)
- New Mexico (introduced)
- New York (introduced)
- South European Russi (introduced)
- Yukon (introduced)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Jun 3, 2021 by Aitor Mediavilla (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 23, 2022 by Carsten Mackenthun (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 19, 2020 by Albert V. (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 17, 2021 by Nier Jörg (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 31, 2017 by Sarah Dechamps (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Leaf
Taken May 23, 2020 by thibaut boise (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 22, 2021 by Rachel Connolly (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 16, 2022 by Małgorzata Pauch (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 27, 2019 by cat grass (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 19, 2020 by Albert V. (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken May 5, 2014 by EOL − Liam O’Brien (cc-by-nc)
Taken May 5, 2014 by EOL − Donna Pomeroy (cc-by-nc)
Taken Mar 29, 2014 by EOL − Lew Stringer (cc-by-nc)
Taken Mar 28, 2014 by EOL − deviirao (cc-by-nc)
Taken Apr 27, 2019 by cat grass (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Aug 15, 2020 by Rico Mende (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Jul 26, 2020 by Rico Mende (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 18, 2013 by EOL − Tom Scott (cc-by-nc)
Fruit
Taken Aug 13, 2020 by Armelle Lorier (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5341548)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:110013-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Gilia capitata Sims)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Forb/herb