California Gilia
(Gilia achilleifolia)
California Gilia (Gilia achilleifolia)
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rappman
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rappman
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Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: rappman | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: rappman | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2018-05-02T16:33:02Z |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Gilia achilleifolia, commonly known as California Gilia, is an annual herb that is native to the open woodlands, coastal sage scrub, and chaparral of California and Baja California. This plant typically grows to a height of 12 to 24 inches (30 to 60 centimeters) and has a spread of about 12 inches (30 centimeters). It features erect, slender stems topped with clusters of small, funnel-shaped lavender to blue flowers that bloom from April to June. The flowers are quite showy and attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
California Gilia is appreciated for its delicate, airy appearance and vibrant flowers which add color to wildflower gardens, meadows, and informal borders. It is drought-tolerant, making it suitable for xeriscaping and low-water-use gardens. While it thrives in full sun, it can tolerate light shade and prefers well-drained soils. It is not commonly associated with serious diseases or pests, but overwatering can lead to root rot. Due to its potential invasiveness, it should be planted with caution outside its native range.CC BY-SA 4.0
California Gilia is appreciated for its delicate, airy appearance and vibrant flowers which add color to wildflower gardens, meadows, and informal borders. It is drought-tolerant, making it suitable for xeriscaping and low-water-use gardens. While it thrives in full sun, it can tolerate light shade and prefers well-drained soils. It is not commonly associated with serious diseases or pests, but overwatering can lead to root rot. Due to its potential invasiveness, it should be planted with caution outside its native range.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 1-2 feet
- Width: 1-2 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Blue, Pink, Purple, White
- Flowering Season: Spring, Winter
- Leaf Retention:
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Low
- Drainage: Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Drought Tolerant, Groundcover, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
Native to open woodlands, coastal sage scrub, and chaparral of California and Baja California
Other Names
Common Names: California Gily-Flower , Blue Gilia
Scientific Names: Gilia achilleifolia , Gilia achilleifolia subsp. abrotanifolia , Gilia achilleifolia var. alba
GBIF Accepted Name: Gilia achilleifolia Benth.