Camissoniopsis pallida subsp. hallii
Photo: parent species Camissoniopsis pallida · (c) W. Terry Hunefeld, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Onagraceae · Type: Herb · Native
Camissoniopsis pallida subsp. hallii is a native California herb in the Onagraceae family, recognized by other pallida forms by larger flowers.
Hall's evening-primrose is a California native annual found on northern slopes of the Santa Barbara Mountains, southern Mojave Desert, and northern Sonoran Desert in desert slopes, flats, and washes from creosote-bush scrub to pinyon and juniper woodland at elevations of 30 to 1,800 meters. Flowering from March to August, this delicate plant produces pale yellow flowers with petals 6.5 to 13 millimeters long. Growing with slender stems up to 30 centimeters tall, it spreads in loose, open formations across arid landscapes. Its leaves are typically narrow and elongated, arranged alternately along the stem, adapting to the harsh desert environment. The plant's small hypanthium and delicate sepals contribute to its subtle, ephemeral beauty characteristic of desert wildflowers.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 2 sympatric species; distinguished from other pallida forms by larger flowers
Habitat and range
Habitat: Desert slopes, flats, washes, creosote-bush scrub to pinyon/juniper woodland
Elevation: 30-1800 m
California counties: San Bernardino, Riverside, Inyo
Bloom period
Camissoniopsis pallida subsp. hallii blooms Mar-Aug.
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 pallida subsp. hallii native to California?
Yes. Camissoniopsis pallida subsp. hallii is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Camissoniopsis pallida subsp. hallii bloom?
Camissoniopsis pallida subsp. hallii blooms Mar-Aug.
Where in California does Camissoniopsis pallida subsp. hallii grow?
Camissoniopsis pallida subsp. hallii occurs in San Bernardino, Riverside, Inyo, at elevations of 30-1800 m.
What plant family does Camissoniopsis pallida subsp. hallii belong to?
Camissoniopsis pallida subsp. hallii is in the Onagraceae family, genus Camissoniopsis.
What habitat does Camissoniopsis pallida subsp. hallii grow in?
Camissoniopsis pallida subsp. hallii grows in Desert slopes, flats, washes, creosote-bush scrub to pinyon/juniper woodland.
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.