Leptosiphon pygmaeus (syn. Linanthus pygmaeus) is a species of flowering plant in the phlox family known by the common name pygmy linanthus.
Distribution It is native across much of California, including the western Sierra Nevada, Central Valley, California Coast Ranges, Transverse Ranges, and Peninsular Ranges. It is also native to the California Channel Islands (U.S.), and Guadalupe Island off the coast of Baja California (México).Calflora: Leptosiphon pygmaeus
It can be found below in open or wooded areas in hills, mountains, and valleys, and in many types of habitats including chaparral, oak woodland, grassland, and yellow pine forest.
Description Leptosiphon pygmaeus is a petite annual herb growing high. It has tiny threadlike leaves.
The inflorescence is an open array of minute light to deep pink flowers wide, with rich yellow throats. The bloom period is March to July.
Subspecies Leptosiphon pygmaeus subsp. continentalis — mainland distribution in coastal ranges. Jepson: Leptosiphon pygmaeus subsp. continentalis Leptosiphon pygmaeus subsp. pygmaeus — Pygmy desert-gold, endemic to coastal sage scrub on San Clemente Island (California) and Guadalupe Island (Baja California).Jepson: Leptosiphon pygmaeus subsp. pygmaeus It is a Critically endangered species.Natureserve.org: Comprehensive Report on Linanthus pygmaeus ssp. pygmaeus
References
External links Calflora Database: Leptosiphon pygmaeus (Pygmy linanthus) Jepson Manual eFlora (TJM2) treatment of Leptosiphon pygmaeus UC CalPhotos gallery: Leptosiphon pygmaeus