woodland wildflower
Large-flowered leptosiphon
Leptosiphon grandiflorus
Also known as Largeflower Linanthus, Large-flower Desert-trumpets, Mountain Phlox
1 of 2Native to California
In California, Santa Barbara county and western Merced county
- Light Full sun Sun tolerance
- Moisture Moisture preference
- Zones n/a Cold to heat range
- Bloom Apr–Aug Flowering time
- Height up to 20 in to 51 cm
- Life cycle Annual Annual to perennial
In the garden
A woodland wildflower for full sun. Its white flowers peak in June. At up to 20 in, it suits shade gardens and woodland edges.
Growing conditions
Light
Full sun Partial shade Full shade
Moisture
Dry Moist Wet
When it blooms
The Large-flowered leptosiphon's white flowers bloom April to August, peaking in June. This early-summer display draws hummingbirds and bees.
Large-flowered leptosiphon blooms white, pink & purpleFoliage
Pollinators & wildlife
- Hummingbirds Anna's Hummingbird also Black-chinned Hummingbird
- Bees California Bumble Bee
- Moths White-lined Sphinx
Full plant details
Where it grows
- Habitat
- WoodlandThe wild plant community it grows in.
- Native range
- CaliforniaUnited States (1): CA. Where it grows wild on its own, by state and province.
- Native distribution
- In California, Santa Barbara county and western Merced countyThe same native range, usually more exact than the state list, and often noting where it has spread beyond it.
Growing conditions
- Light
- Full sunHow much sun it takes, from full sun to full shade.
- Soil
- Sandy soilsThe soils it grows in naturally.
- Soil pH
- 6.2–7.6The acidity to alkalinity it tolerates (7 is neutral).
- Soil quality
- MediumHow rich a soil it needs. Many natives prefer lean soil and flop in rich beds.
- Water use
- MediumHow thirsty it is, a rough guide to how often to water.
- Salinity tolerance
- NoneHow well it copes with salty soil, near roads or the coast.
- Lime (CaCO₃) tolerance
- MediumHow well it copes with chalky, lime-rich soil.
Growth & form
- Height
- up to 20 in (to 51 cm)Typical mature height.
- Life cycle
- AnnualWhether it lives a single season (annual), two (biennial), or returns for years (perennial).
- Growth rate
- RapidA relative ranking versus other plants of the same type (USDA), not an absolute rate.
- Shape
- ErectIts overall silhouette.
- Root depth
- 8+ in (20+ cm)How far the roots reach, a guide to drought resilience and transplanting.
Flowers, foliage & fruit
- Type
- WildflowerWhat kind of plant it is.
- Bloom
- Apr–AugWhen it flowers.
- Flower color
- White, Pink, PurpleThe bloom color, or colors.
- Toxicity
- None knownWhether any part is poisonous to people or pets.
Propagation & seed
- Cold stratification
- Not requiredWhether seed needs a cold, moist spell before it will germinate.
- Propagation
- SeedHow to start new plants.
- Seed
- ~0.1 million seeds per poundNotes on the seed and how to sow it.
- Seed spread rate
- ModerateHow readily it self-sows. Slow or none means well-behaved, not a spreader.
- Seedling vigor
- MediumHow strongly young seedlings establish.
- Vegetative spread
- NoneWhether it creeps outward or stays put in a clump.