Clarkia cylindrica subsp. clavicarpa
Photo: parent species Clarkia cylindrica · no rights reserved · CC0
Family: Onagraceae · Type: Herb · Native
Clarkia cylindrica subsp. clavicarpa is a native California herb in the Onagraceae family, recognized by hypanthium length > 2 × ovary width and fruit wider distally.
Clarkia cylindrica is a California native annual found in the Sierra Nevada Foothills and Tehachapi Mountains in open grassland, woodland, and chaparral habitats at elevations below 1,000 meters. Flowering from April to June, this plant produces delicate flowers with a distinctive hypanthium longer than twice the width of its ovary. Growing with slender stems, it develops an elongated fruit that widens toward its tip. Its leaves are likely narrow and arranged alternately along the stem, typical of clarkia species. The plant's unique fruit shape and elongated floral structure distinguish it from other annual wildflowers in its habitat.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 27 sympatric species; distinguished by hypanthium length > 2 × ovary width and fruit wider distally
Habitat and range
Habitat: Open grassland, woodland, chaparral
Elevation: < 1000 m
California counties: Tulare, Fresno, Kern, Madera, San Luis Obispo, Los Angeles, Tuolumne, San Bernardino
Bloom period
Clarkia cylindrica subsp. clavicarpa blooms Apr-Jun.
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 cylindrica subsp. clavicarpa native to California?
Yes. Clarkia cylindrica subsp. clavicarpa is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Clarkia cylindrica subsp. clavicarpa bloom?
Clarkia cylindrica subsp. clavicarpa blooms Apr-Jun.
Where in California does Clarkia cylindrica subsp. clavicarpa grow?
Clarkia cylindrica subsp. clavicarpa occurs in Tulare, Fresno, Kern, Madera, San Luis Obispo, Los Angeles, Tuolumne, San Bernardino, at elevations of < 1000 m.
What plant family does Clarkia cylindrica subsp. clavicarpa belong to?
Clarkia cylindrica subsp. clavicarpa is in the Onagraceae family, genus Clarkia.
What habitat does Clarkia cylindrica subsp. clavicarpa grow in?
Clarkia cylindrica subsp. clavicarpa grows in Open grassland, woodland, chaparral.
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.