Eriastrum diffusum  Miniature Woolystar
ANNUAL.  A tiny plant, only a few centimeters tall, named for the white fuzz at the base of the leaves and calyces.  Leaves few, narrow, almost needlelike.  Flowers are about 1 cm in diameter, light blue, shining, blooming in April-May.  In the Empires, two forms occur:  the typical plant (left) and a white-flowered variant with shorter, rounded petals.  Sunny, well-drained sand and fine gravel.
FAMILY:  Polemoniaceae (Phlox Family)