Clarkia borealis subsp. arida
Shasta clarkia, Shasta Clarkia
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Family: Onagraceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.1
Clarkia borealis subsp. arida (Shasta clarkia) is a native California herb in the Onagraceae family, recognized by larger seeds (1.8-2.5 mm) and Cascade foothills distribution.
Shasta clarkia is a rare (CNPS 1B.1) California native annual found in southeastern Klamath Ranges and Cascade Range Foothills in foothill woodland at elevations around 500 meters. Flowering from June to July, this plant produces delicate flowers with subtle coloration typical of the clarkia genus. Growing with slender stems up to 30 to 40 centimeters tall, it develops an upright, somewhat branching habit. Its leaves are narrow and elongated, arranged alternately along the stem, providing a delicate architectural structure to the plant. The small seeds, measuring 1.8 to 2.5 millimeters long, are typical of annual wildflowers in California's woodland ecosystems.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 8 sympatric species; distinguished by larger seeds (1.8-2.5 mm) and Cascade foothills distribution
Habitat and range
Habitat: Foothill woodland
Elevation: 500 m
Bloom period
Clarkia borealis subsp. arida blooms Jun-Jul.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.1
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 borealis subsp. arida native to California?
Yes. Clarkia borealis subsp. arida is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Clarkia borealis subsp. arida bloom?
Clarkia borealis subsp. arida blooms Jun-Jul.
What plant family does Clarkia borealis subsp. arida belong to?
Clarkia borealis subsp. arida is in the Onagraceae family, genus Clarkia.
Is Clarkia borealis subsp. arida rare or endangered?
Clarkia borealis subsp. arida carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.1, state rank S2.
What habitat does Clarkia borealis subsp. arida grow in?
Clarkia borealis subsp. arida grows in Foothill woodland.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · 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.