Clarkia cylindrica subsp. cylindrica
Photo: parent species Clarkia cylindrica · no rights reserved · CC0
Family: Onagraceae · Type: Herb · Native
Clarkia cylindrica subsp. cylindrica is a native California herb in the Onagraceae family, recognized by hypanthium length ± equal to ovary width and cylindric fruit.
Clarkia cylindrica is a California native annual found in southern Coastal Ranges and western Transverse Ranges in open grassland, woodland, and chaparral at elevations below 1,000 meters. Flowering from April to June, this plant produces delicate flowers with distinctive cylindrical fruit structures. Growing with slender stems to 30 to 60 centimeters tall, it forms an elegant upright habit. Its leaves are narrow and elongated, typically lance-shaped and arranged alternately along the stem. The plant's unique cylindrical fruit is nearly as long as its hypanthium width, creating an intriguing botanical silhouette.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 17 sympatric species; distinguished by hypanthium length ± equal to ovary width and cylindric fruit
Habitat and range
Habitat: Open grassland, woodland, chaparral
Elevation: < 1000 m
California counties: San Luis Obispo, Los Angeles, Kern, Tulare, Fresno, Monterey, Madera, San Benito, Siskiyou, San Mateo, Mariposa, Ventura, Nevada, Amador, Santa Barbara, Placer, Tuolumne, Kings
Bloom period
Clarkia cylindrica subsp. cylindrica 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. cylindrica native to California?
Yes. Clarkia cylindrica subsp. cylindrica is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Clarkia cylindrica subsp. cylindrica bloom?
Clarkia cylindrica subsp. cylindrica blooms Apr-Jun.
Where in California does Clarkia cylindrica subsp. cylindrica grow?
Clarkia cylindrica subsp. cylindrica occurs in San Luis Obispo, Los Angeles, Kern, Tulare, Fresno, Monterey, Madera, San Benito and other counties, at elevations of < 1000 m.
What plant family does Clarkia cylindrica subsp. cylindrica belong to?
Clarkia cylindrica subsp. cylindrica is in the Onagraceae family, genus Clarkia.
What habitat does Clarkia cylindrica subsp. cylindrica grow in?
Clarkia cylindrica subsp. cylindrica 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.