Chylismia cardiophylla
Heart leaved primrose
Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Onagraceae · Type: Herb · Native
Chylismia cardiophylla (Heart leaved primrose) is a native California herb in the Onagraceae family, recognized by 19 congeners; simple ovate-to-cordate toothed leaves (vs pinnate in relatives); dense nodding infl.; Mojave/Sonoran deserts.
Heart leaved primrose is a California native perennial found in arid regions with open, rocky habitats at low to moderate elevations. Flowering from late spring to early summer, this plant produces delicate yellow or cream-colored flowers that open at dusk, with petals 3 to 12 millimeters long. Growing with spreading stems less than 100 centimeters tall, it forms an upright habit with sparse glandular or non-glandular hairs. Its leaves are distinctive, with heart-shaped blades up to 55 millimeters long, featuring irregular tooth-edged margins and petioles less than 75 millimeters. The plant produces elongated cylindrical fruits 20 to 55 millimeters long that ascend from slender pedicels.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 19 congeners; simple ovate-to-cordate toothed leaves (vs pinnate in relatives); dense nodding infl.; Mojave/Sonoran deserts
Habitat and range
California counties: Inyo, Imperial, San Diego, San Bernardino, Riverside
How to tell it apart
vs Eremothera: Chylismia has yellow flowers; Eremothera has white, pink, or red flowers that open at night.; vs Camissonia: Chylismia leaves are mostly basal and dandelion-like; Camissonia has narrow leaves up the stem.; vs Camissoniopsis: Chylismia has dandelion-like basal leaves; Camissoniopsis has lance-shaped leaves along the stem.; vs Eulobus: Chylismia has basal dandelion-like leaves; Eulobus has elegant wand-like stems with red-flecked petals.; vs Oenothera: Chylismia has dandelion-like basal leaves; Oenothera is typically a robust tall plant with 4-lobed stigma.
Frequently asked questions
Is Chylismia cardiophylla native to California?
Yes. Chylismia cardiophylla is native to California (recorded as native).
Where in California does Chylismia cardiophylla grow?
Chylismia cardiophylla occurs in Inyo, Imperial, San Diego, San Bernardino, Riverside.
What plant family does Chylismia cardiophylla belong to?
Chylismia cardiophylla is in the Onagraceae family, genus Chylismia.
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.