1. Ground Pink/Fringed Linanthus – Leptosiphon (Linanthus) dianthiflorus
(lie-NAN-thus di-an-thi-FLOR-us.)
Family: Polemoniaceae (Phlox Family)
Native to: Ocean-influenced SW California to Baja; open sandy places in coastal strand and prairie,
coastal sage scrub, chaparral and valley grassland below 4000 ft.
Growth characteristics: herbaceous annual wildflower mature height: <1 ft. mature width: <1 ft.
Tiny annual wildflower with several, usually upright stems. Leaves simple, opposite.
Blooms in early spring (Feb-Apr), depending on winter rains. Flowers are
extremely showy when massed. Petals are fringed and yellow at the base, range in color from pink
or lilac to white, often with maroon spots. Very old-fashioned looking, charming.
Blooms/fruits:
Uses in the garden: Wonderful addition to sandy garden, rock garden, fronts of mixed beds. Would
be charming in pots or along pathways.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native pink spring annuals.
Attracts: Excellent habitat for native pollinators in early spring; birds eat seeds.
Requirements:
Element
Sun
Soil
Water
Fertilizer
Other
Requirement
Full sun.
Sandy is best; well-drained. Any local pH probably fine.
Adequate winter water (irrigate if winter rains are inadequate); Zone 1 (no water)
after blooming begins.
None; needs nutrient-poor soils.
Management:
Sow seed in fall/winter on prepared bare soil.
May be difficult to establish.
Propagation: from seed: see above
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 16
1/13/08
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