Family: Polemoniaceae

Origin, Description & Uses
Gilia capitata, commonly known as blue field gilia or globe gilia, is native to western North America, including regions of California and Oregon. This annual wildflower produces striking, spherical clusters of small blue to violet flowers atop slender stems, typically blooming in spring and early summer. Its delicate appearance and vibrant color make it a popular choice for ornamental gardens, wildflower mixes, and pollinator-friendly plantings, as it attracts bees and butterflies.

Risks & Threats
Although Gilia capitata is naturalized in the Hawaiian Islands, it possesses traits that are cause for concern and could detrimentally impact tropical island ecosystems. Its ability to establish and spread in disturbed areas allows it to compete with native plants, potentially reducing biodiversity and altering habitat structure. Because of these ecological risks, it is recommended to avoid planting Gilia capitata and instead choose a low-risk or native alternative that supports pollinators without threatening native ecosystems.

High Risk Traits:

• Elevation range exceeds 1000 m, and can grow in >5 hardiness zones demonstrating environmental versatility
  
• Naturalized on Maui, Hawaiian Islands and possibly elsewhere
  
• Tolerates many soil types
  
• Seeds dispersed by gravity, possibly water and intentionally by people
  
• Hybridizes with other Gilia species
  
• Self-compatible
  
• Annual. Reaches maturity in <1 year
  
• Seeds able to be stored for extended periods; May form a persistent seed bank
  
• Able to coppice and resprout after cutting

Low Risk Traits:

• Despite naturalization, no reports of negative impacts documented
  
• Mediterranean to temperate climate species (may only become established at higher elevations in the tropics)
  
• Unarmed (no spines, thorns or burrs)
  
• No reports of toxicity
  
• Ornamental
  
• Beneficial to bees and other pollinators
  
• Not reported to spread vegetatively