Golden Linanthus, Golden Gilia
Leptosiphon aureus ssp. aureus
Color: Yellow
Common name: Golden Linanthus, Golden Gilia
Latin name: Leptosiphon aureus ssp. aureus was Linanthus aureus ssp. aureus
Family: POLEMONIACEAE
Height: 2-6 inches
Description: Leptosiphon aureus ssp. aureus produces a small beautiful flower on a thin, threadlike stem. The tip of the stem is occupied by an inflorescence of usually a single flower with corolla lobes under a centimeter long and a darker yellow or maroon throat.
Leaf: There are occasional leaves divided into narrow needlelike lobes. The oppositely arranged leaves are each divided into very narrow bristlelike lobes up to a centimeter long.
Range: Western Transverse Ranges (n slope), Desert
Habitat: Pinyon-pine/oak/juniper woodland, desert flats
Elevation: < 2000 m.
Flowering time: Mar–Jun
Notes: Leptosiphon aureus ssp. aureus, a dicot, is an annual herb that is native to California and is also found outside of California, but is confined to western North America. This photo was taken on April 24, 2005 in Red Rock Canyon State Park, Mojave Desert, Kern County, California.
We have an online wildflower field guide that is designed to help you identify desert wildflowers by color, scientific name, region and common name. The pictures are sized to work on the iPod, iPhone, iPad and similar devices. With your iPod or phone you will easily be able to identify wildflowers while in the desert. Links for downloads are on the bottom of the Wildflower Field Guide page.
Photo tips: Most digital point-and-shoot cameras have a macro function - usually symbolized by the icon of a little flower. When you turn on that function, you allow your camera to get closer to the subject, looking into a flower for example. Or getting up close and personal with a bug. More on desert photography.
Mojave Desert Wildflowers - This book is the standard by which all other wildflower books are measured. The author, Jon Mark Stewart, has combined super photography with concise information. This book has an entire color page for each wildflower covered, with a discussion of the wildflower. 210 pages with 200 color photos. More...
What's Blooming Now - Check the Wildflower Reports
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