Gilia capitata ssp. pacifica
(Polemoniaceae)
The pompom-like sphere of flowers sits atop a 25-50 cm long stem. Most of the plant's leaves are clustered at the base. The violet-blue corolla consists of 5 petals fused into a tube. The sepals which are also fused into a short tube have ridges with green ribs alternating with violet membranes. These membranes appear to expand in accordion-like fashion with maturation of the enclosed capsular fruits.
DISTRIBUTION: Slopes and coastal bluffs along the northern and central North Coast; < 300 m.