Chylismia claviformis subsp. peirsonii
(c) Joe Decruyenaere, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · licence
Family: Onagraceae · Type: Herb · Native
Chylismia claviformis subsp. peirsonii is a native California herb in the Onagraceae family, recognized by yellow petals, spreading hairs, well-developed side leaflets.
Chylismia claviformis subsp. peirsonii is a California native annual found in the Colorado Desert (Imperial County) in sandy flats and creosote-bush scrub at elevations from 70 meters below sea level to 300 meters. Flowering from February to April, this plant produces yellow flowers 4.5 to 7 millimeters long with conspicuous free sepal tips. Growing with spreading-hairy stems and a loose, open growth habit, it develops distinctive leaves with a terminal leaflet less than 90 millimeters long and narrowly ovate shape. Its leaves feature a notable arrangement with lateral leaflets generally larger than the terminal leaflet, creating an interesting asymmetrical foliage pattern. The plant's hypanthium measures 2.5 to 4.5 millimeters, contributing to its delicate desert-adapted appearance.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 5 sympatric species; key features are yellow petals, spreading hairs, well-developed side leaflets
Habitat and range
Habitat: Sandy flats, creosote-bush scrub
Elevation: -70-300 m
California counties: Imperial, San Diego, Riverside, Kern, Inyo, Mono, San Bernardino
Outside California: northern Baja California
Bloom period
Chylismia claviformis subsp. peirsonii blooms Feb-Apr.
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. peirsonii native to California?
Yes. Chylismia claviformis subsp. peirsonii is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Chylismia claviformis subsp. peirsonii bloom?
Chylismia claviformis subsp. peirsonii blooms Feb-Apr.
Where in California does Chylismia claviformis subsp. peirsonii grow?
Chylismia claviformis subsp. peirsonii occurs in Imperial, San Diego, Riverside, Kern, Inyo, Mono, San Bernardino, at elevations of -70-300 m.
What plant family does Chylismia claviformis subsp. peirsonii belong to?
Chylismia claviformis subsp. peirsonii is in the Onagraceae family, genus Chylismia.
What habitat does Chylismia claviformis subsp. peirsonii grow in?
Chylismia claviformis subsp. peirsonii grows in Sandy 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 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.