Learn More Details About This Plant

Plant Data

Names and Taxonomy

  • Common Names: desertsnow, humble desert-star
  • Synonyms: gilia demissa
  • Family: polemoniaceae
  • Genus Information: CA 33, NV 13, AZ 10, UT 9, NM 3

Habit and Size

  • Duration: annual herb
  • Habit: prostrate to ascending
  • Shape: tufted / mat-forming
  • Size: 1–5 cm tall
  • Stem: very short, branched, often reddish

Leaves

  • Color: green to grayish-green
  • Shape: linear to lanceolate
  • Edge: entire
  • Arrangement: opposite (lower) to alternate (upper)
  • Leaf Retention: annual

Flowers and Fruit

  • Sex: hermaphroditic
  • Flower Color: white, often with yellowish or purple throat markings
  • Flower Size: 5–8 mm long
  • Number of Petals: 5
  • Bloom: March–May
  • Fruit: small capsule

Habitat and Growing Conditions

  • Water Use: low
  • Light: full sun
  • Soil: sandy or gravelly desert soils
  • Habitat: creosote bush scrub, open desert flats

Distribution

  • Distribution: CA, NV, AZ, UT
  • Seen: Temple Bar
  • Elevation: 1000–5000 feet (300–1525 meters)

Gallery

Linanthus demissus

Observed as a white carpet across sandy washes in the low desert.

Linanthus demissus

Temple Bar

Linanthus demissus

Temple Bar

Linanthus demissus

Temple Bar