Clarkia biloba subsp. australis
Mariposa clarkia, Mariposa Clarkia
Photo: parent species Clarkia biloba · (c) Justin, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Onagraceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.2
Clarkia biloba subsp. australis (Mariposa clarkia) is a native California herb in the Onagraceae family, recognized by bright pink petals with prominent lobes 1/5-1/3 of petal length.
Mariposa clarkia is a rare (CNPS 1B.2) California native annual found in central Sierra Nevada Foothills, specifically in the Merced River drainage, Tuolumne and Mariposa counties, in chaparral and woodland at elevations of 300 to 500 meters. Flowering from May to June, this plant produces bright pink to magenta flowers with distinctive petal lobes that span one-fifth to one-third of the petal length. Growing with slender stems up to 30 to 50 centimeters tall, it develops an upright, delicate form characteristic of annual wildflowers. Its leaves are narrow and linear to lance-shaped, providing a subtle green backdrop to the vibrant floral display. The flower petals are notably elongated, measuring more than 1.5 times their width and creating an elegant, elongated silhouette against the surrounding landscape.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 27 sympatric species; distinguished by bright pink petals with prominent lobes 1/5-1/3 of petal length
Habitat and range
Habitat: Chaparral, woodland
Elevation: 300-500 m
California counties: Tuolumne, Mariposa, El Dorado, Calaveras, Amador
Bloom period
Clarkia biloba subsp. australis blooms May-Jun.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.2
How to tell it apart
vs Epilobium: Clarkia seeds lack a hair tuft and its petals are broad, often clawed or lobed; Epilobium and Chamerion have seeds bearing a tuft of silky hairs and long, thin capsules.; vs Oenothera: Clarkia flowers are pink to lavender-purple and its buds nod before opening; Oenothera flowers are generally yellow (or white), larger, and open at dusk.; vs Camissonia: Clarkia petals are pink-purple, often fan-shaped or lobed with a distinct claw; Camissonia and Camissoniopsis have yellow, unlobed petals.; vs Sidalcea: Clarkia has 4 petals, an inferior ovary, and a 4-lobed stigma; Sidalcea (checkerbloom) has 5 petals, a superior ovary, and a central mallow staminal column.; vs Gayophytum: Clarkia is showy with petals 10-35 mm; Gayophytum has minute white-to-pink flowers only a few mm across on thread-like branches.
Frequently asked questions
Is Clarkia biloba subsp. australis native to California?
Yes. Clarkia biloba subsp. australis is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Clarkia biloba subsp. australis bloom?
Clarkia biloba subsp. australis blooms May-Jun.
Where in California does Clarkia biloba subsp. australis grow?
Clarkia biloba subsp. australis occurs in Tuolumne, Mariposa, El Dorado, Calaveras, Amador, at elevations of 300-500 m.
What plant family does Clarkia biloba subsp. australis belong to?
Clarkia biloba subsp. australis is in the Onagraceae family, genus Clarkia.
Is Clarkia biloba subsp. australis rare or endangered?
Clarkia biloba subsp. australis carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.2, state rank S3.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CNPS Rare Plant Inventory · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos · CDFW CNDDB
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.