Castilleja densiflora subsp. gracilis
Photo: parent species Castilleja densiflora · no rights reserved · CC0
Family: Orobanchaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Castilleja densiflora subsp. gracilis is a native California herb in the Orobanchaceae family, recognized by exserted flowers and short teeth distinguish from closely related subspecies.
Dense-flowered owl's clover is a California native annual herb found in southern coastal ranges and southwestern California in grassland habitats at elevations below 1,550 meters. Flowering from March to May, this plant produces rose-purple flowers with bracts shorter than the flower clusters. Growing with slender stems typically 10 to 30 centimeters tall, the plant forms delicate branching structures. Its leaves are narrow and elongated, alternating along the stem with fine, lance-shaped margins. The flower's lower lip widens abruptly, with small teeth less than 1 millimeter long and distinctive pouches shorter than the flower's depth.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 20 sympatric species, exserted flowers and short teeth distinguish from closely related subspecies
Habitat and range
Habitat: Grassland
Elevation: < 1550 m
California counties: Riverside, San Diego, Monterey, Santa Barbara, Orange, San Luis Obispo, Los Angeles, Kern
Outside California: northern Baja California
Bloom period
Castilleja densiflora subsp. gracilis blooms Mar-May.
How to tell it apart
vs Triphysaria: Castilleja lacks the sharp fold in flower throat; Triphysaria has abrupt crease above lower lip.; vs Trifolium: Castilleja has tubular flowers with colorful bracts; Trifolium has round heads of pea-like flowers and three leaflets.; vs Pedicularis: Castilleja has open forward beak and colorful bracts; Pedicularis has closed hood and fern-like leaves.; vs Orthocarpus: Castilleja has open beak you can see into; Orthocarpus has closed hood covering stamens completely.; vs Epilobium: Castilleja has tubular two-lipped flowers and colorful bracts; Epilobium has four separate petals arranged in cross.
Frequently asked questions
Is Castilleja densiflora subsp. gracilis native to California?
Yes. Castilleja densiflora subsp. gracilis is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Castilleja densiflora subsp. gracilis bloom?
Castilleja densiflora subsp. gracilis blooms Mar-May.
Where in California does Castilleja densiflora subsp. gracilis grow?
Castilleja densiflora subsp. gracilis occurs in Riverside, San Diego, Monterey, Santa Barbara, Orange, San Luis Obispo, Los Angeles, Kern, at elevations of < 1550 m.
What plant family does Castilleja densiflora subsp. gracilis belong to?
Castilleja densiflora subsp. gracilis is in the Orobanchaceae family, genus Castilleja.
What habitat does Castilleja densiflora subsp. gracilis grow in?
Castilleja densiflora subsp. gracilis grows in Grassland.
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.