Schott Gilia, Little Sunbonnets
Loeseliastrum schottiHeight: Generally 4 to 12 inches tall
Habitat: Sandy or gravelly soils in desert flats, washes, and rocky slopes
Elevation: Found below 4,000 feet
Range: Southwestern United States, including California (especially the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts), Arizona, Nevada, and northern Mexico
Description:
Schott Gilia is a dainty annual wildflower with small, star-shaped blossoms. The flowers are usually lavender to bluish with a yellow center, giving them a cheerful “sunbonnet” look. The leaves are narrow and scattered along the slender stems. It’s easy to overlook because of its size, but it adds charm to the spring desert bloom.
Uses:
Mainly appreciated for its role in desert wildflower displays. It provides nectar for small native bees and other pollinators. Not known for traditional food or medicinal uses.
Note:
Little Sunbonnets live up to their name—small, sunny, and cheerful. They’re a modest but lovely part of the desert spring bloom, especially in years with good rain.
