Chylismia claviformis
Clavate fruited primrose
Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Onagraceae · Type: Herb · Native
Chylismia claviformis (Clavate fruited primrose) is a native California herb in the Onagraceae family, recognized by 19 congeners; club-shaped (clavate) fruit wider toward tip, 1-pinnate leaves; widespread desert annual.
Clavate fruited primrose is a California native annual found in desert regions in open, sandy habitats at elevations typically between 100 to 1,500 meters. Flowering from March to July, this plant produces yellow or white flowers that generally open near dusk, with delicate petals 1.5 to 8 millimeters long. Growing with slender stems 10 to 70 centimeters tall, it develops a branching habit with generally basal leaves. Its leaves are typically one-pinnately divided, with a terminal leaflet 8 to 90 millimeters long and lance-shaped to heart-shaped, and smaller or absent lateral leaflets. The distinctive fruit is ascending or spreading, 8 to 38 millimeters long, gradually widening toward the tip and appearing either straight or slightly curved.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 19 congeners; club-shaped (clavate) fruit wider toward tip, 1-pinnate leaves; widespread desert annual
Habitat and range
California counties: San Bernardino, Inyo, Los Angeles, Imperial, Riverside, San Diego, Kern, Mono, Plumas, Santa Barbara
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 claviformis native to California?
Yes. Chylismia claviformis is native to California (recorded as native).
Where in California does Chylismia claviformis grow?
Chylismia claviformis occurs in San Bernardino, Inyo, Los Angeles, Imperial, Riverside, San Diego, Kern, Mono and other counties.
What plant family does Chylismia claviformis belong to?
Chylismia claviformis 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.