Family: Polemoniaceae
Author: Benth.
Bibliography: Edwards’s Bot. Reg. 19: t. 1622 (1833)
Year: 1833
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Gilia
Vegetable: False
Observations: SW. U.S.A.
Description
California gilia, scientifically known as Gilia achilleifolia, is a remarkable member of the diverse Polemoniaceae family. This enchanting perennial herbaceous plant thrives predominantly in the southwestern regions of the United States, where it graces the landscapes with its delicate beauty.
First described in 1833 and illustrated in Edwards’s Botanical Register, this species caught the attention of botanists early on. It was documented by Benth., whose keen observations captured the essence of this botanical gem. California gilia is characterized by its finely dissected, fern-like leaves, which provide an elegant backdrop to its flowering parts.
The plant typically blooms in the spring and early summer, producing clusters of small, tubular flowers that range in color from pale lavender to deep blue. These flowers are not only aesthetically pleasing but also serve as important nectar sources for various pollinators, including bees and butterflies, thus playing a vital role in the local ecosystem.
Gilia achilleifolia favors dry, well-drained soils and is commonly found in open, sunny locations such as grasslands, chaparral, and coastal scrub. Its resilience and modest water requirements make it an attractive option for xeriscaping and native plant gardens, where it can be both an ornamental and an ecological asset.
Despite its fragile appearance, California gilia is a hardy species, capable of withstanding the harsh conditions of its native habitat. Its presence enriches the biodiversity of the region, and its delicate blossoms are a testament to the subtle yet profound beauty of the native flora in the southwestern United States.
In cultivating California gilia, gardeners and conservationists contribute to the preservation of this species, ensuring that its legacy endures for future generations to appreciate and enjoy.
Common Names
Eng: california gilia, california gily-flower
Dan: fjer-blåhoved
Deu: kalifornische gilie
Nld: gilia
Swe: fjädergilia
En: California gilia, California gily-flower
Da: Fjer-blåhoved
Nl: Gilia
Fi: Harsukiurunkukka
De: Kalifornische Gilie
Sv: Fjädergilia
Synonyms
- Navarretia achilleifolia ((Benth.) Kuntze)
Distribution
- Arizona (native)
- California (native)
- Alaska (introduced)
- Czechoslovakia (introduced)
- Germany (introduced)
- Maine (introduced)
- Masachusettes (introduced)
- New York (introduced)
- Vermont (introduced)
- Wisconsin (introduced)
Additional Images
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Habit
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Niehaus, T.F. (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 10, 2009 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken May 22, 2008 by EOL − Barry Breckling (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 10, 2009 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 10, 2009 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Leaf
Taken Sep 9, 2020 by Frozy <3 (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 17, 2022 by vanessa (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 8, 2019 by Sarah Sarah Schroeder (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Apr 30, 2008 by EOL − Barry Breckling (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 10, 2009 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 10, 2009 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Mar 25, 2016 by EOL − Donna Pomeroy (cc-by-nc)
Taken May 19, 2019 by Greg Froelich (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Jan 10, 2009 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 10, 2009 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5341540)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:109924-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Gilia achilleifolia Benth.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Forb/herb
