How much sun does California Gilia need?

California Gilia grows best in full sun conditions.

When does California Gilia bloom?

California Gilia blooms in March, April, May, and June.

Where is California Gilia native?

California Gilia (Gilia achilleifolia) is native to AZ, CA, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does California Gilia attract?

California Gilia draws bees and butterflies.

Is California Gilia HOA-friendly?

California Gilia is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.

California Gilia

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Gilia achilleifolia

Last reviewed: July 2026

California Gilia (Gilia achilleifolia) 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

4"–24" H × 4"–12" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May, Jun

Native to

AZ, CA

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Sierra Nevada Central California Valley Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Southern California Mountains Sonoran Basin and Range

Gilia achilleifolia is a delicate annual wildflower with finely divided, fern-like foliage and lavender-blue to purple flowers that bloom in spring. It grows 4-24 inches tall in a somewhat airy form, making it an excellent addition to wildflower gardens and borders.

In an HOA neighborhood

California Gilia is an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 2 out of 5.

Works well in: mid zone, street edge.

Annual life cycle means seasonal appearance changes
Can look sparse or untidy after blooming
May self-seed unpredictably

Wildlife value

Gilia achilleifolia is valuable to native bees and attracts various butterfly species as a nectar source. Its spring blooms provide important early-season forage for pollinators.

Common questions

How much sun does California Gilia need?: California Gilia grows best in full sun conditions.
When does California Gilia bloom?: California Gilia blooms in March, April, May, and June.
Where is California Gilia native?: California Gilia (Gilia achilleifolia) is native to AZ, CA, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
Is California Gilia toxic to dogs?: California Gilia is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
Is California Gilia toxic to cats?: California Gilia is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
What pollinators does California Gilia attract?: California Gilia draws bees and butterflies.
Is California Gilia HOA-friendly?: California Gilia 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 California Gilia? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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