Chylismia claviformis subsp. claviformis
(c) Joe Decruyenaere, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · licence
Family: Onagraceae · Type: Annual · Native
Chylismia claviformis subsp. claviformis is a native California annual in the Onagraceae family, recognized by higher elevation range in DMoj edges.
Evening primrose is a California native annual found in the Mojave Desert and its edges in creosote-bush scrub and alluvial slopes at elevations of 850 to 1,700 meters. Flowering from March to May, this plant produces white flowers with pale yellow or purple-dotted bases that generally fade to purple, measuring 3.5 to 8 millimeters long. Growing with slender stems that are glabrous or strigose, particularly near the base, it can be partially glandular-hairy toward the upper portions. Its leaves feature terminal leaflets less than 60 millimeters long, narrowly ovate in shape, with lateral leaflets typically larger and sometimes purple-dotted. The plant's hypanthium measures 3 to 5.5 millimeters long, with sepal tips remaining inconspicuous and free in the bud.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Geographically isolated; distinguished by higher elevation range in DMoj edges
Habitat and range
Habitat: Alluvial slopes, flats, creosote-bush scrub
Elevation: 850-1700 m
California counties: Kern, San Bernardino, Inyo, Riverside, Los Angeles, Imperial, Mono, San Diego
Bloom period
Chylismia claviformis subsp. claviformis blooms Mar-May.
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 subsp. claviformis native to California?
Yes. Chylismia claviformis subsp. claviformis is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Chylismia claviformis subsp. claviformis bloom?
Chylismia claviformis subsp. claviformis blooms Mar-May.
Where in California does Chylismia claviformis subsp. claviformis grow?
Chylismia claviformis subsp. claviformis occurs in Kern, San Bernardino, Inyo, Riverside, Los Angeles, Imperial, Mono, San Diego, at elevations of 850-1700 m.
What plant family does Chylismia claviformis subsp. claviformis belong to?
Chylismia claviformis subsp. claviformis is in the Onagraceae family, genus Chylismia.
What habitat does Chylismia claviformis subsp. claviformis grow in?
Chylismia claviformis subsp. claviformis grows in Alluvial slopes, flats, creosote-bush scrub.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-06
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.