Clarkia biloba subsp. brandegeeae
Brandegee's clarkia, Brandegee's Clarkia
Photo: parent species Clarkia biloba · (c) Justin, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Onagraceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 4.2
Clarkia biloba subsp. brandegeeae (Brandegee's clarkia) is a native California herb in the Onagraceae family, recognized by lavender petals with obscure or very small lobes < 1/5 petal length.
Brandegee's clarkia is a California native annual found in northern Sierra Nevada foothill woodlands at elevations below 500 meters. Flowering from June to July, this delicate plant produces lavender petals that are broader than they are long, with subtle petal lobes. Growing with slender stems and an upright habit, it reaches a modest height typical of annual wildflowers. Its leaves are distinctively lanceolate, tapering to a point and spreading along the plant's slender stems. The petals are uniquely structured, with lobes that are less than one-fifth the petal's length, creating a subtle and elegant floral display.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 27 sympatric species; distinguished by lavender petals with obscure or very small lobes < 1/5 petal length
Habitat and range
Habitat: Foothill woodland
Elevation: < 500 m
California counties: Yuba, El Dorado, Nevada, Butte, Placer, Amador, Sacramento
Bloom period
Clarkia biloba subsp. brandegeeae blooms Jun-Jul.
Conservation status
CNPS 4.2
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. brandegeeae native to California?
Yes. Clarkia biloba subsp. brandegeeae is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Clarkia biloba subsp. brandegeeae bloom?
Clarkia biloba subsp. brandegeeae blooms Jun-Jul.
Where in California does Clarkia biloba subsp. brandegeeae grow?
Clarkia biloba subsp. brandegeeae occurs in Yuba, El Dorado, Nevada, Butte, Placer, Amador, Sacramento, at elevations of < 500 m.
What plant family does Clarkia biloba subsp. brandegeeae belong to?
Clarkia biloba subsp. brandegeeae is in the Onagraceae family, genus Clarkia.
Is Clarkia biloba subsp. brandegeeae rare or endangered?
Clarkia biloba subsp. brandegeeae carries California Rare Plant Rank 4.2, state rank S4.
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.