Blue Field Gilia | Gilia capitata - Benton Soil And Water Conservation District

Blue Field Gilia | Gilia capitata

A bee with orange fur collects nectar from a purple flower, surrounded by a blurred natural background.

The image shows a group of flowering plants with purple blooms, labeled "Gilia capitata," surrounded by green foliage.

This annual flower has spherical clusters of flowers that range in color from light blue to white to pink. It can be found at a wide range of elevations and prefers well-drained, sandy soil but can tolerate clay.

Plant Details

Habitats	Oak Woodland, Upland Prairie and Savanna, Riparian Forests, Mixed Hardwood-Conifer Forest or Woodland
Phenology	Annual; flowering May-September
Mature Height	4" to 3 ft
Shade Preference	Full sun
Soil Tolerance	Prefers sandy or rocky well-drained soil
Special Uses	Attracts pollinators

A close-up of a bee collecting nectar from delicate pink flowers, showcasing nature's pollination process.

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We have a large searchable database of plants that are native to the Willamette Valley and other parts of Benton County. View images and filter the list by plant characteristics

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A lush forest scene with tall oak trees, green leaves, moss, and undergrowth, under a clear blue sky.

Oak Woodland

Oregon White Oaks dominate these woodlands and may support an open to moderately shrubby understory. Over thirty percent of the canopy shades the ground, but still filter light allowing oak seedling…

A scenic view of a vibrant field of purple flowers, a rustic barn, green hills, and a blue sky with fluffy clouds.

Upland Prairie and Savanna

Upland prairies or open grasslands are among the most threatened ecosystems in Oregon. Historically, they occurred across the Willamette Valley and are vegetated by perennial grasses and annual or…

A lush green riparian forest with tall red alder trees and a rocky stream running through it.

Riparian Forests

Riparian areas are defined by NRCS as ecosystems that occur along waterways and water bodies. They serve as the transition between aquatic and terrestrial zones.

A dense forest with tall trees and lush green undergrowth.

Mixed Hardwood-Conifer Forest or Woodland

Mixed hardwoods and conifers characterize this habitat which is widespread in western Oregon in the medium elevations of the hills of the Coast Range. Precipitation is higher in this habitat than in…