Camissoniopsis hardhamiae
Hardham's evening-primrose
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Family: Onagraceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.2
Camissoniopsis hardhamiae (Hardham's evening-primrose) is a native California herb in the Onagraceae family, recognized by spotless petals and abnormal pollen grain shapes.
Hardham's evening-primrose is a rare (CNPS 1B.2) California native annual found in the southern Coast Ranges of Monterey and San Luis Obispo counties in sandy limestone soils of disturbed oak woodland at elevations of 240 to 600 meters. Flowering from March to May, this plant produces pale yellow flowers with petals 2 to 4 millimeters long. Growing with erect stems less than 60 centimeters tall and spreading hairs, it develops a robust, rosetted habit. Its cauline leaves are widely lanceolate to narrowly ovate, 10 to 120 millimeters long, with minute teeth and nearly sessile attachment. The elongated fruit is 13 to 25 millimeters long, slightly cylindrical, and can dry with a subtle twist.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 5 sympatric species; distinguished by spotless petals and abnormal pollen grain shapes
Habitat and range
Habitat: Sandy soil, limestone, disturbed oak woodland
Elevation: 240-600 m
California counties: Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Los Angeles
Bloom period
Camissoniopsis hardhamiae blooms Mar-May.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.2
How to tell it apart
vs Camissonia: Camissoniopsis flowers from base with four-angled fruits; Camissonia flowers from top with round fruits.; vs Oenothera: Camissoniopsis has four-angled fruits; Oenothera has round fruits and a distinctive 4-lobed cross-shaped stigma.; vs Taraxia: Camissoniopsis has four-angled fruits and flowers from base; Taraxia has round fruits.; vs Tetrapteron: Camissoniopsis has four-angled fruits; Tetrapteron has four-winged fruits.; vs Eulobus: Camissoniopsis has four-angled fruits; Eulobus has wand-like stems with red-flecked petals.
Frequently asked questions
Is Camissoniopsis hardhamiae native to California?
Yes. Camissoniopsis hardhamiae is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Camissoniopsis hardhamiae bloom?
Camissoniopsis hardhamiae blooms Mar-May.
Where in California does Camissoniopsis hardhamiae grow?
Camissoniopsis hardhamiae occurs in Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Los Angeles, at elevations of 240-600 m.
What plant family does Camissoniopsis hardhamiae belong to?
Camissoniopsis hardhamiae is in the Onagraceae family, genus Camissoniopsis.
Is Camissoniopsis hardhamiae rare or endangered?
Camissoniopsis hardhamiae carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.2, 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.