Globe Gilia (Gilia capitata)

Gilia capitata is a species of flowering plant in the Polemoniaceae (Phlox) family known by the common names bluehead gilia and blue field gilia. It is native to much of western North America from Alaska to northern Mexico, and it can be found on the eastern side of the continent as an introduced species. In California it is widespread, occurring along the coast and in the Sierras. It grows in many habitats, especially in sandy or rocky soils. This wildflower is somewhat variable in form and appearance, with eight recognized subspecies. The branching, leafy stems reach anywhere from 10 to 90 centimeters in maximum height and sometimes having hairy hairs on the fleshy herbage. The leaves are divided into toothed or lobed leaflets. Atop the branches of the thick stem are spherical flower clusters of 50 to 100 small flowers. Each flower has a throat opening into a spreading corolla which may be white, pink, lavender, or light blue. The stamens protrude slightly from the flower's mouth and are white with white, blue, or pink anthers. In the garden it is best use in a meadow-like setting with other annuals. It is frequently included in wildflower seed mixes. Description from Calscape.

Growers: Larner Seeds

Other Names Used: Blue Field Gilia, Bluehead Gilia

Family: Polemoniaceae

Life Cycle: Annual

Plant Type: Herb

Sun Exposure: Full

Bloom Period: Winter, Spring (February to April) 

Bloom Color(s): Blue, Lavender, Pink, White

Plant Height: 4-36 inches tall

Plant Width: 6 inches wide

California Regions:

• San Francisco Bay Area
• North Coast
• Central Valley
• Sierra Foothills
• Sierra Nevada
• Central California Coast
• Southern Coast
• Southern California Inland
  

Ecological Benefits:

• Drought Tolerant
  
• Deer Resistant
• Attracts pollinators, birds, wildlife
  

Ecological Functions:

• Grows in Containers
• Groundcover

Habitat Type:

• Chaparral
• Coastal Prairie
• Coastal Strand 
• Northern Coastal Scrub
• Coastal Sage Scrub
• Douglas Fir Forest
• Yellow Pine Forest
• Red Fir Forest
• Mixed Evergreen Forest
• Foothill Woodland 
  

Human Uses/Cautions: 

Skill Level: Experienced

Seed Pretreatment: Yes - 2 weeks cold stratification