How much sun does Slender Gilia need?

Slender Gilia grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Slender Gilia bloom?

Slender Gilia blooms in May, June, and July.

Where is Slender Gilia native?

Slender Gilia (Aliciella leptomeria) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 7 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Slender Gilia attract?

Slender Gilia draws bees, hummingbirds, and moths.

Is Slender Gilia HOA-friendly?

Slender Gilia takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Slender Gilia

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Aliciella leptomeria

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Slender Gilia (Aliciella leptomeria) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

4"–12" H × 2"–6" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, ID and 7 more states

Pollinators

bees, hummingbirds, moths

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Sierra Nevada North American Deserts Northwestern Forested Mountains Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range Arizona/New Mexico Mountains

Slender gilia is a delicate annual wildflower that forms small, compact clumps with narrow leaves and tiny tubular flowers. It blooms from May through July with small but colorful flowers that attract pollinators. This drought-tolerant native thrives in full sun and requires minimal water once established.

In an HOA neighborhood

Slender Gilia takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Very delicate appearance may look weedy to untrained eye
Short lifespan creates gaps in plantings
Extremely fine foliage can appear sparse or dying

Wildlife value

The small tubular flowers provide nectar for bees, hummingbirds, and moths during late spring and summer months. It supports pollinator populations with well-timed blooms.

Common questions

How much sun does Slender Gilia need?: Slender Gilia grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Slender Gilia bloom?: Slender Gilia blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Slender Gilia native?: Slender Gilia (Aliciella leptomeria) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 7 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Slender Gilia attract?: Slender Gilia draws bees, hummingbirds, and moths.
Is Slender Gilia HOA-friendly?: Slender Gilia takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

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