Plant Data

Names and Taxonomy

  • Common Names: lilac sunbonnets, great basin langloisia, spotted langloisia, bristly langloisia, bristly-calico
  • Synonyms: Langloisia lanata, Langloisia punctata
  • Family: Polemoniaceae (Phlox)
  • Genus Information: Langloisia was once considered to have four species. Recent studies have shown that two are better placed in a new genus, Loeseliastrum. The remaining two are now considered to be subspecies of L. setosissima, the only species in the genus Langloisia.

Habit and Size

  • Duration: annual
  • Habit: forb
  • Shape: spreading
  • Size: up to 4 inches
  • Stem: bristles

Leaves

  • Color: green and red
  • Shape: linear, teeth 3-5, at tip, each with 1 bristle, basal teeth of upper leaves reduced to clusters of 2-3 bristles
  • Edge: toothed
  • Arrangement: alternate
  • Leaf Retention: deciduous

Flowers and Fruit

  • Sex: monoecious
  • Flower Color: purple
  • Flower Size: 1/2 inch
  • Number of Petals: 5
  • Bloom: Apr, May, Jun
  • Fruit: capsule

Habitat and Growing Conditions

  • Water Use: low
  • Light: full sun
  • Soil: gravel
  • Habitat: Creosote Bush, and among piñon and juniper

Distribution

  • Distribution: CA, ID, NV, OR
  • Seen: Lovall Canyon
  • Elevation: below 5600 feet (1800 m)

Photographs

Lilac Sunbonnets (Langloisia setosissima sub. setosissima)

Lovall Canyon