Gilia capitata, Globe Gilia

This easy-to-grow, beautiful, common wildflower grows in many habitats, especially in sandy or rocky soils. Stems with feathery bright green foliage reach 1 to 2 ft or taller. Atop the stem are spherical flower clusters of 50 to 100 true blue small flowers. In the garden, it works well as a filler around shrubs, mixed with other wildflowers, or used in a meadow-like setting with other annuals. It will reseed prolifically and the new plants will emerge just as soon as the winter rains start. It is frequently included in wildflower seed mixes.

Gilia capitata is native to much of western North America from Alaska to northern Mexico, and it can be found on the eastern side of the continent as an introduced species. In California it is widespread, occurring along the coast and in the Sierras.