Blue Thimble-flower
Gilia capitata
Last reviewed: July 2026
Gilia capitata (Blue Thimble-flower) is a drought-tolerant native wildflower blooming April through July across western states including California, Oregon, and Washington with distinctive blue clustered flowers.
Blue Thimble-flower (Gilia capitata) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org (opens in new tab), last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
6"–24" H × 6"–12" W
Bloom
Apr, May, Jun, Jul
Native to
AZ, CA, ID, OH and 4 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Blue thimble-flower is a charming native annual with delicate blue globe-shaped blooms atop slender stems. It grows 6-24 inches tall with a compact spread and flowers from spring through mid-summer. This drought-tolerant plant thrives in full sun conditions and requires little water once established.
Growing Blue Thimble-flower
Grow Blue Thimble-flower in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 6 to 24 inches tall and spread 6 to 12 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Blue Thimble-flower is an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, mid zone.
- May look sparse or leggy when not in bloom
- Can self-seed and appear unintentional if not managed
- Annual lifecycle requires seasonal replanting or allowing self-seeding
Wildlife value
Blue thimble-flower is highly attractive to native bees and butterflies, providing valuable nectar during its extended bloom period. Its small but abundant flowers create excellent pollinator habitat.
Common questions
- When does Gilia capitata bloom?
- Blue Thimble-flower blooms from April through July, producing clusters of small blue flowers that attract bees and butterflies.
- Where is Gilia capitata native?
- This wildflower is native to Arizona, California, Idaho, Ohio, Oregon, Utah, Vermont, and Washington, though it is primarily associated with western North American ecosystems.
- What pollinators visit Blue Thimble-flower?
- Gilia capitata attracts bees and butterflies with its nectar-rich blue flower clusters, making it valuable for pollinator gardens in dry climates.
- What growing conditions does Gilia capitata prefer?
- Blue Thimble-flower thrives in full sun with low water requirements, making it an excellent choice for drought-tolerant native plant gardens.
- Is Blue Thimble-flower toxic to dogs?
- Blue Thimble-flower is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Blue Thimble-flower toxic to cats?
- Blue Thimble-flower is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- Is Blue Thimble-flower HOA-friendly?
- Blue Thimble-flower is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Blue Thimble-flower? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz