Family: Polemoniaceae
Author: (Pursh) V.E.Grant
Bibliography: Aliso 3: 360 (1956)
Year: 1956
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Ipomopsis
Vegetable: False
Observations: W. Canada to N. Mexico
Description
Scarlet gilia, scientifically known as Ipomopsis aggregata, is a vibrant and enchanting flowering plant that adds a splash of color to its native landscapes. First described in Aliso 3: 360 in 1956, by V.E. Grant, this charming plant belongs to the Polemoniaceae family and is recognized for its stunning, fiery red blooms.
Scarlet gilia thrives in a variety of habitats extending from Western Canada all the way down to Northern Mexico. This impressive range underscores its adaptability to different climates and soils. The plant is commonly found in open woodlands, meadows, and mountainous regions, which provide the well-drained soil and sunny conditions it favors.
Characterized by its tall, slender stems that can reach heights of up to three feet, Scarlet gilia features delicate, trumpet-shaped flowers which are not only visually striking but also attract numerous pollinators, including hummingbirds and butterflies. The bright red flowers, often tinged with hints of pink or orange, contrast beautifully with its feathery, fern-like foliage, making it a standout species in any setting.
Given its ecological importance and ornamental appeal, Scarlet gilia plays a significant role in the pollination networks of its native habitats. The plant’s prolonged blooming period, which typically spans from late spring to early fall, ensures that it provides a reliable food source for pollinators over an extended period.
Whether utilized in native plant gardens, wildflower meadows, or for natural landscape restoration, Ipomopsis aggregata remains a beloved and valued species for botanists and gardeners alike. Its stunning appearance, ecological benefits, and adaptability make Scarlet gilia a true botanical treasure.
Common Names
Swe: eldgilia
Eng: scarlet gilia, skyrocket, scarlet skyrocket, skyrocket gilia
Fra: ipomopsis à fleurs agglomérées
En: Scarlet gilia, Skyrocket, Scarlet skyrocket, Skyrocket gilia
Fr: Ipomopsis à fleurs agglomérées
Sv: Eldgilia
Synonyms
- Callisteris aggregata ((Pursh) Greene)
- Gilia aggregata ((Pursh) Spreng.)
- Navarretia aggregata ((Pursh) Kuntze)
- Cantua aggregata (Pursh)
Distribution
- Arizona (native)
- British Columbia (native)
- California (native)
- Colorado (native)
- Idaho (native)
- Mexico Northeast (native)
- Mexico Northwest (native)
- Montana (native)
- Nevada (native)
- New Mexico (native)
- Oklahoma (native)
- Oregon (native)
- Texas (native)
- Utah (native)
- Washington (native)
- Wyoming (native)
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.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Flower
Taken Jul 18, 2022 by Quinn Anderson (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 24, 2022 by Pablo Marcelo Remigio Elías (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 24, 2022 by Pablo Marcelo Remigio Elías (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 14, 2015 by Tela Botanica − shana johnson (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 7, 2021 by L Law (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Aug 7, 2022 by Giode Tonpino (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 27, 2022 by Lawrence Chu (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 21, 2020 by Mykala Spangler (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 16, 2021 by Rayna Bullok (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Aug 7, 2022 by Giode Tonpino (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Aug 27, 2022 by Lawrence Chu (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2927979)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:129820-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Ipomopsis aggregata (Pursh) V.E. Grant)
Specifications
Growth habit: Forb/herb