Camissonia benitensis
San benito evening-primrose, San Benito Evening-Primrose
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Family: Onagraceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.1 · Delisted
Camissonia benitensis (San benito evening-primrose) is a native California herb in the Onagraceae family, recognized by small stature and flower size.
San benito evening-primrose is a rare (CNPS 1B.1) California native annual found in south-central interior California regions of Fresno, Monterey, and San Benito counties in woodland and chaparral with sandy serpentine and graywacke soils at elevations of 600 to 1,200 meters. Flowering from April to June, this plant produces yellow flowers that fade to reddish, with small basal spots and delicate petals 3.5 to 4 millimeters long. Growing with slender erect or decumbent stems 3 to 20 centimeters tall, it has widely spreading wiry branches and two distinct types of hairs – linear white and rod-shaped transparent. Its narrow leaves measure 7 to 20 millimeters long, elliptic in shape with fine serrated edges. The fruit is a thin capsule 15 to 40 millimeters long, slightly swollen with seeds and appearing either straight or gently wavy.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 4 sympatric species; distinguished by small stature and flower size
Habitat and range
Habitat: Woodland, chaparral, sandy serpentine and graywacke soils
Elevation: +- 600-1200 m.
California counties: San Benito
Bloom period
Camissonia benitensis blooms Apr-Jun.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.1 · Delisted
How to tell it apart
vs Camissoniopsis: Camissonia flowers from top with round fruits; Camissoniopsis flowers from base with four-angled fruits.; vs Eulobus: Camissonia has plain yellow petals; Eulobus has elegant wands with red flecks at petal bases.; vs Chylismia: Camissonia has narrow leaves up the stem; Chylismia has dandelion-like basal leaves.; vs Taraxia: Camissonia flowers from upper stem; Taraxia flowers open from ground level at night.; vs Eschscholzia: Camissonia has four petals and cylindrical fruits; Eschscholzia has dissected leaves and poppy-like flowers.
Frequently asked questions
Is Camissonia benitensis native to California?
Yes. Camissonia benitensis is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Camissonia benitensis bloom?
Camissonia benitensis blooms Apr-Jun.
Where in California does Camissonia benitensis grow?
Camissonia benitensis occurs in San Benito, at elevations of +- 600-1200 m..
What plant family does Camissonia benitensis belong to?
Camissonia benitensis is in the Onagraceae family, genus Camissonia.
Is Camissonia benitensis rare or endangered?
Camissonia benitensis carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.1, state rank S2.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CNPS Rare Plant Inventory · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos · CDFW CNDDB
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.