Allionia incarnata
Trailing allionia
Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Nyctaginaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Allionia incarnata (Trailing allionia) is a native California herb in the Nyctaginaceae family, recognized by Only *Allionia* in CA; trailing desert herb, 3-flowered clusters mimic 1 bloom, sticky winged fruit.
Trailing allionia is a California native perennial found in desert and southwestern regions in sandy or rocky habitats. Flowering from May to October, this plant produces distinctively red-purple flowers with three notched, oblique petals arranged in small clusters. Growing with spreading or prostrate stems that trail along the ground, it forms low-growing mats across arid landscapes. Its leaves are arranged opposite each other, typically small and somewhat oval-shaped, blending into the plant's delicate ground-hugging structure. The fruit is compressed with two lateral wings and features sticky glandular rows that aid in seed dispersal.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Only *Allionia* in CA; trailing desert herb, 3-flowered clusters mimic 1 bloom, sticky winged fruit
Habitat and range
California counties: Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Imperial, Inyo
How to tell it apart
vs Mirabilis: Allionia has 3 bracts and 3 lopsided flowers blooming together; Mirabilis has 5 bracts and symmetrical flowers.; vs Boerhavia: Allionia has exactly 3 flowers per cluster in cup-like bracts; Boerhavia has loose, open flower clusters.; vs Phacelia: Allionia has 3 asymmetrical flowers in bract cups; Phacelia has coiled flower clusters and 5 separate petals.; vs Abronia: Allionia has 3 asymmetrical flowers per cluster on trailing stems; Abronia has dense rounded pom-pom heads.; vs Tripterocalyx: Allionia has 3 asymmetrical flowers and bilateral fruits; Tripterocalyx has rounded heads with translucent-winged fruits.
Frequently asked questions
Is Allionia incarnata native to California?
Yes. Allionia incarnata is native to California (recorded as native).
Where in California does Allionia incarnata grow?
Allionia incarnata occurs in Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Imperial, Inyo.
What plant family does Allionia incarnata belong to?
Allionia incarnata is in the Nyctaginaceae family, genus Allionia.
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.