Clarkia gracilis subsp. sonomensis
(c) Ken-ichi Ueda, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Onagraceae · Type: Herb · Native
Clarkia gracilis subsp. sonomensis is a native California herb in the Onagraceae family, recognized by large petals with red spot and exserted stigma distinctive.
Sonoma clarkia is a California native annual found in the Klamath Ranges, northern Coast Ranges, and northern San Francisco Bay Area in woodland and forest openings at elevations below 500 meters. Flowering from May to June, this delicate plant produces pink-lavender flowers shading to white with a distinctive red spot near the center of each petal, measuring 20 to 40 millimeters across. Growing with slender stems typical of its genus, the plant develops a delicate, upright form characteristic of annual clarkias. Its leaves are narrow and elongated, complementing the plant's graceful structure. The flowers feature an exserted stigma that extends beyond the anthers, creating an elegant botanical display.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 25 sympatric species; large petals with red spot and exserted stigma distinctive
Habitat and range
Habitat: Openings in woodland, forest
Elevation: < 500 m
California counties: Sonoma, Napa, Lake, Humboldt, Mendocino, Marin, Colusa, Solano, Glenn
Outside California: southern Oregon
Bloom period
Clarkia gracilis subsp. sonomensis blooms May-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 gracilis subsp. sonomensis native to California?
Yes. Clarkia gracilis subsp. sonomensis is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Clarkia gracilis subsp. sonomensis bloom?
Clarkia gracilis subsp. sonomensis blooms May-Jun.
Where in California does Clarkia gracilis subsp. sonomensis grow?
Clarkia gracilis subsp. sonomensis occurs in Sonoma, Napa, Lake, Humboldt, Mendocino, Marin, Colusa, Solano and other counties, at elevations of < 500 m.
What plant family does Clarkia gracilis subsp. sonomensis belong to?
Clarkia gracilis subsp. sonomensis is in the Onagraceae family, genus Clarkia.
What habitat does Clarkia gracilis subsp. sonomensis grow in?
Clarkia gracilis subsp. sonomensis grows in Openings in woodland, forest.
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.