California strawflower (Collomia grandiflora, Bot. Reg. 14: t. 1174 (1828))

Family: Polemoniaceae

Author: Douglas ex Lindl.

Bibliography: Bot. Reg. 14: t. 1174 (1828)

Year: 1828

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Collomia

Vegetable: False

Observations: W. Canada to W. U.S.A.

Description

The California strawflower, scientifically known as Collomia grandiflora, is a striking and valuable member of the Polemoniaceae family. Renowned for its vibrant presence, this plant captivates with its large, conspicuous blooms, contributing significantly to the biodiversity of western North America.

Described in “Botanical Register” in 1828 by Douglas ex Lindley, the California strawflower is native to a range that extends from Western Canada through to the Western United States. This geographic spread allows it to thrive in various conditions, underscoring its adaptability and the ecological versatility of the species.

The California strawflower typically exhibits clusters of tubular flowers that are predominantly orange or yellow, accentuated by a distinctive star shape characteristic of the genus Collomia. These blossoms provide a crucial source of nectar and pollen for a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, thus playing a pivotal role in sustaining local ecosystems.

The foliage of Collomia grandiflora complements its floral display, consisting of lance-shaped leaves that offer a lush green backdrop to the radiant flowers. This combination not only enhances its aesthetic appeal in natural and managed landscapes but also demonstrates the plant’s resilience in diverse soil types and environmental conditions.

In cultivation, the California strawflower is particularly appreciated for its hardiness and minimal maintenance requirements, making it a popular choice in gardens and restoration projects. Enthusiasts and botanists alike value this species for its ecological contributions and its spectacle of color that enlivens the natural palette of the regions it inhabits.

Whether observed in the wild or cultivated in a garden, Collomia grandiflora stands as a symbol of the intricate beauty and ecological importance inherent in the flora of Western North America.

Common Names

Eng: california strawflower, grand collomia, large-flower collomia, large-flowered collomia, large-flowered mountain-trumpet
Fra: collomia, collomia à grandes fleurs
Deu: großblumige leimsaat, großblütige leimsaat, leimsaat
Hun: nagyvirágú gallérvirág
Ces: slizatka velkokvětá
Swe: “stort limfrö “
Nld: collomia
En: California strawflower, Large-flower collomia, Grand collomia, Large-flowered collomia, Large-flowered mountain-trumpet
Cs: Slizatka velkokvětá
Nl: Collomia
Fr: Collomia, Collomia à grandes fleurs
De: Großblumige Leimsaat, Großblütige Leimsaat, Leimsaat, Gelbe Leimsaat
Hu: Nagyvirágú gallérvirág
It: Collomia con fiori grandi
Sv: “stort limfrö “

Synonyms

• Collomia grandiflora var. tenuiflora (DC.)
• Collomia grandiflora f. tenuiflora ((Benth.) Wherry)
• Collomia scabra (Greene)
• Collomia grandiflora subsp. diffusa ((Mulford) Piper)
• Collomia grandiflora f. diffusa ((Mulford) Wherry)
• Collomia grandiflora f. scabra ((Greene) Wherry)
• Collomia grandiflora f. axillaris ((A.Nelson) Wherry)
• Gilia grandiflora var. axillaris (A.Nelson & J.F.Macbr.)
• Collomia grandiflora var. axillaris (A.Nelson)
• Collomia grandiflora f. cryptantha ((Regel) Wherry)
• Collomia grandiflora var. cryptantha (Regel)
• Gilia grandiflora var. diffusa (Mulford)

Distribution

• Arizona (native)
• British Columbia (native)
• California (native)
• Colorado (native)
• Idaho (native)
• Montana (native)
• Nevada (native)
• Oregon (native)
• Utah (native)
• Washington (native)
• Wyoming (native)
• Argentina South (introduced)
• Czechoslovakia (introduced)
• France (introduced)
• Germany (introduced)
• Tasmania (introduced)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Flower

Taken Jul 8, 2022 by maristela diaz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 12, 2020 by Volker Neus (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 13, 2021 by Gabriela Valera (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 14, 2019 by Ferdy Lejeune (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 12, 2020 by champanhet Emmanuel (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jun 7, 2020 by Anna Niemantsverdriet (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 15, 2008 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 26, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Josiane MIEGE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 12, 2020 by champanhet Emmanuel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 18, 2022 by Werner Rom (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jun 15, 2010 by EOL − Ken-ichi Ueda (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Aug 5, 2013 by EOL − Ken-ichi Ueda (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 16, 2013 by EOL − Marcial Reiley (cc-by)

Taken Jun 9, 2014 by EOL − Ken-ichi Ueda (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jun 3, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jul 19, 2020 by Chris Georges (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 12, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 1, 2015 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)

Other

Taken Jul 15, 2008 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

Taken Jul 5, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Marie PORTAS (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 15, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Geneviève Botti (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 13, 2020 by Surcettin (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Feb 24, 2008 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2927556)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:63312-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Collomia grandiflora Douglas ex Lindl.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.5

Ph minimum: 7.0

Light: 7

Atmospheric humidity: 7

Bloom months: [‘jun’, ‘jul’, ‘aug’]

Soil nutriments: 7