Adonis aestivalis
Summer pheasant's eye
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Family: Ranunculaceae · Type: Herb · Not Native
Adonis aestivalis (Summer pheasant's eye) is a non-native California herb in the Ranunculaceae family, recognized by European genus with limited naturalization in montane areas of northeastern California.
Summer pheasant's eye is a naturalized perennial found in the Modoc Plateau in disturbed sites, fields, and open pine forest at elevations of 1,200 to 1,400 meters. Flowering from May to July, this plant produces striking yellow to orange flowers with purple bases, each petal 8 to 15 millimeters long in delicate, elongated shapes. Growing 30 to 70 centimeters tall with a glabrous (smooth) habit, it develops an upright form with minimal hairiness. Its finely divided leaves range from 2 to 7 centimeters long, creating a delicate, feathery appearance. The fruit develops as a small structure 4 to 5 millimeters wide with subtle lateral ridging and a straight 1 to 2 millimeter beak.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: European genus with limited naturalization in montane areas of northeastern California
Habitat and range
Habitat: Disturbed sites, fields, open pine forest
Elevation: 1200-1400 m
California counties: Modoc, Shasta, Lassen
Outside California: to Washington, Montana, Utah, native to Europe
Bloom period
Adonis aestivalis blooms May-Jul.
How to tell it apart
vs Thalictrum: Adonis has showy yellow-orange petals with purple bases; Thalictrum has tiny inconspicuous sepals without petals.; vs Trautvetteria: Adonis has colorful yellow-orange petals and feathery fern-like foliage; Trautvetteria lacks petals and has simple lobed leaves.; vs Ranunculus: Adonis has purple anthers and petals with dark purple bases; Ranunculus has yellow anthers and uniformly colored petals.; vs Clematis: Adonis is an upright herb with showy two-toned petals; Clematis is a woody climbing vine with white sepals.; vs Anemone: Adonis has true petals with dark purple bases and feathery foliage; Anemone has sepals only and basal leaves.
Frequently asked questions
Is Adonis aestivalis native to California?
No. Adonis aestivalis is not native to California (recorded as not native).
When does Adonis aestivalis bloom?
Adonis aestivalis blooms May-Jul.
Where in California does Adonis aestivalis grow?
Adonis aestivalis occurs in Modoc, Shasta, Lassen, at elevations of 1200-1400 m.
What plant family does Adonis aestivalis belong to?
Adonis aestivalis is in the Ranunculaceae family, genus Adonis.
What habitat does Adonis aestivalis grow in?
Adonis aestivalis grows in Disturbed sites, fields, open pine forest.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.