Clarkia lewisii
Lewis' clarkia
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Family: Onagraceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 4.3
Clarkia lewisii (Lewis' clarkia) is a native California herb in the Onagraceae family, recognized by ring of hairs at hypanthium rim and 4-grooved ovary distinctive.
Lewis' clarkia is a California native annual found in the central coastal and northern southern Coast Ranges of Monterey and San Benito counties in coastal scrub, woodland, and chaparral at elevations below 300 meters. Flowering from May to June, this plant produces bowl-shaped flowers with pink-lavender petals shading to white near the middle, accented by a purple-red base and red-purple flecks. Growing erect with stems up to 50 centimeters tall and appearing puberulent or glabrous, it has a delicate, upright form. Its narrowly lanceolate leaves measure 2 to 5 centimeters long, with petioles less than 7 millimeters in length. The distinctive flowers feature 8 stamens with outer lavender anthers and inner smaller, paler anthers, creating an intricate floral display.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 28 sympatric species; ring of hairs at hypanthium rim and 4-grooved ovary distinctive
Habitat and range
Habitat: Coastal scrub, woodland, chaparral
Elevation: < 300 m
California counties: Monterey, San Benito
Bloom period
Clarkia lewisii blooms May-Jun.
Conservation status
CNPS 4.3
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 lewisii native to California?
Yes. Clarkia lewisii is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Clarkia lewisii bloom?
Clarkia lewisii blooms May-Jun.
Where in California does Clarkia lewisii grow?
Clarkia lewisii occurs in Monterey, San Benito, at elevations of < 300 m.
What plant family does Clarkia lewisii belong to?
Clarkia lewisii is in the Onagraceae family, genus Clarkia.
Is Clarkia lewisii rare or endangered?
Clarkia lewisii carries California Rare Plant Rank 4.3, state rank S4.
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.