Slender Gilia
Aliciella leptomeria
Last reviewed: June 2026

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 432 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
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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.
Ready to grow Slender Gilia? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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