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Wasowski, Sally and Andy

Gambelia speciosa

Gambelia speciosa Nutt.

Showy Greenbright, Island Snapdragon

Scrophulariaceae (Figwort Family)

Synonym(s): Galvezia speciosa

USDA Symbol: GASP10

USDA Native Status: L48 (N)

Almost a subshrub, being green-woody, this much-branched plant commonly reaches 3 ft. in height and up to 5 ft. in width. It often trails out nearly flat, making an excellent ground cover. Triplets of leaves are bright green. Its best feature is the bright red, snapdragon-shaped flowers.

From the Image Gallery

1 photo(s) available in the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Fruit Type: Capsule
Size Notes: Up to about 5 feet tall, often shorter.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Red
Bloom Time: Feb , Mar , Apr , May , Jun

Distribution

USA: CA
Native Distribution: Channel Islands, CA
Native Habitat: Rocky bluffs & canyons

Growing Conditions

Light Requirement: Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Dry
Soil Description: Dry, rocky soils.
Conditions Comments: Relatively drought tolerant but appearance benefits from occasional summer waterings.

Propagation

Description: Propagate with stem cuttings or seed.
Seed Treatment: Seeds germinate without treatment.
Commercially Avail: yes

From the National Organizations Directory

According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden - Santa Barbara, CA

Bibliography

Bibref 995 - Native Landscaping from El Paso to L.A. (2000) Wasowski, S. and A. Wasowski

Search More Titles in Bibliography

Web Reference

Webref 30 - Calflora (2018) Calflora
Webref 38 - Flora of North America (2019) Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO & Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge, MA.
Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter

Additional resources

USDA: Find Gambelia speciosa in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Gambelia speciosa in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Gambelia speciosa

Metadata

Record Modified: 2023-02-10
Research By: TWC Staff

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