Clarkia concinna subsp. raichei
Raiche's red ribbons, Raiche's Red Ribbons
Photo: parent species Clarkia concinna · (c) Roger Raiche, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Onagraceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.1
Clarkia concinna subsp. raichei (Raiche's red ribbons) is a native California herb in the Onagraceae family, recognized by sepals fused in distal 2/3 and short petal lobes without deep sinuses.
Raiche's red ribbons is a rare (CNPS 1B.1) California native annual found in northern central Coast Ranges, specifically at the type locality near Tomales, in exposed sites at elevations below 100 meters. Flowering from April to May, this plant produces delicate flowers with petals 10 to 20 millimeters long featuring short lobes. Growing with slender stems typical of annual wildflowers, it develops a compact form characteristic of coastal grassland species. Its flowers have distinctive sepals that remain fused in the upper two-thirds, creating an elegant and unique floral structure. The plant's compact growth and localized distribution make it a special botanical treasure of California's coastal landscape.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 14 sympatric species; distinguished by sepals fused in distal 2/3 and short petal lobes without deep sinuses
Habitat and range
Habitat: Exposed sites
Elevation: < 100 m
California counties: Marin
Bloom period
Clarkia concinna subsp. raichei blooms Apr-May.
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 concinna subsp. raichei native to California?
Yes. Clarkia concinna subsp. raichei is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Clarkia concinna subsp. raichei bloom?
Clarkia concinna subsp. raichei blooms Apr-May.
Where in California does Clarkia concinna subsp. raichei grow?
Clarkia concinna subsp. raichei occurs in Marin, at elevations of < 100 m.
What plant family does Clarkia concinna subsp. raichei belong to?
Clarkia concinna subsp. raichei is in the Onagraceae family, genus Clarkia.
Is Clarkia concinna subsp. raichei rare or endangered?
Clarkia concinna subsp. raichei carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.1, state rank S1.
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.