Castilleja exserta subsp. latifolia
Photo: parent species Castilleja exserta · Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Orobanchaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Castilleja exserta subsp. latifolia is a native California herb in the Orobanchaceae family, recognized by decumbent branches and banded inflorescence.
Purple owl's clover is a California native annual found in northern Coast Ranges and northern and central Coast Counties in coastal grassland and dune habitats at elevations below 500 meters. Flowering from March to May, this plant produces distinctive flowers with alternating light and dark bands, tipped in pale lavender. Growing with many decumbent branches, it spreads low across the ground in delicate clusters. Its bracts are particularly notable, with widths generally 5 to 7 millimeters and lobes less than 2 millimeters long. The plant's corolla elegantly mirrors the coloration of its bracts, creating a subtle yet intricate visual display.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 16 sympatric species; distinguished by decumbent branches and banded inflorescence
Habitat and range
Habitat: Coastal grassland, dunes
Elevation: < 500 m
California counties: San Mateo, Humboldt, San Luis Obispo, Santa Cruz, Colusa, Mendocino, Marin, Monterey, Santa Barbara, Contra Costa, San Francisco, Santa Clara, Alameda, San Diego
Bloom period
Castilleja exserta subsp. latifolia 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 exserta subsp. latifolia native to California?
Yes. Castilleja exserta subsp. latifolia is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Castilleja exserta subsp. latifolia bloom?
Castilleja exserta subsp. latifolia blooms Mar-May.
Where in California does Castilleja exserta subsp. latifolia grow?
Castilleja exserta subsp. latifolia occurs in San Mateo, Humboldt, San Luis Obispo, Santa Cruz, Colusa, Mendocino, Marin, Monterey and other counties, at elevations of < 500 m.
What plant family does Castilleja exserta subsp. latifolia belong to?
Castilleja exserta subsp. latifolia is in the Orobanchaceae family, genus Castilleja.
What habitat does Castilleja exserta subsp. latifolia grow in?
Castilleja exserta subsp. latifolia grows in Coastal grassland, dunes.
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.