Linanthus pungens, commonly known as granite prickly-phlox or granite gilia, is a versatile plant that can function as a shrub or a perennial herb with a woody base. It is native to a variety of habitats in western North America, including montane coniferous forests, pinyon-juniper woodlands, sagebrush steppe, and grasslands, as well as their ecotones. It is particularly adapted to high elevations where it often forms dense mats. This species typically grows erect with stems densely covered in narrow, sharp-pointed leaves. From late spring to early summer, it bears showy, funnel-shaped flowers that are white, cream, yellowish, or pinkish. These flowers open at night and are pollinated by moths, a trait that reflects its adaptation to arid environments where nighttime pollinators are prevalent.

Granite prickly-phlox is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor, shallow, rocky, sandy, and saline soils, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and rock gardens. It requires minimal maintenance once established and is appreciated for its fragrant, nocturnal flowers that add interest to the night garden. In cultivation, it prefers full sun and well-drained soils. While it is not commonly afflicted by diseases or pests, it can be sensitive to overwatering and root rot. This plant is also used for erosion control and habitat restoration due to its hardy nature and ecological role as a dominant species in certain areas, such as the white pine-mountain hemlock forests and shrublands in El Dorado County, California, and the sagebrush near the U.S. Sheep Experiment Station in eastern Idaho.CC BY-SA 4.0