Clarkia speciosa subsp. immaculata
Pismo clarkia, Pismo Clarkia
Photo: parent species Clarkia speciosa · no rights reserved · CC0
Family: Onagraceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.1 · Endangered
Clarkia speciosa subsp. immaculata (Pismo clarkia) is a native California herb in the Onagraceae family, recognized by distinctive coastal habitat and spotless petals.
Pismo clarkia is a rare (CNPS 1B.1) California native annual found in southern Central Coast ranges near Pismo Beach to Edna in San Luis Obispo County, growing in sandy coastal hills below 100 meters elevation. Flowering from May to July, this plant produces red-lavender flowers that shade delicately to pale yellow or white near the base, creating a subtle color gradient. Growing with decumbent stems, the plant develops linear to narrowly lanceolate leaves in an open arrangement. Its slender leaves and unique color transition make it a distinctive species of coastal sandy environments. This rare annual represents a delicate botanical treasure of California's coastal landscapes.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 16 sympatric species; distinctive coastal habitat and spotless petals
Habitat and range
Habitat: Sandy coastal hills
Elevation: < 100 m
California counties: San Luis Obispo
Bloom period
Clarkia speciosa subsp. immaculata blooms May-Jul.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.1 · Endangered
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 speciosa subsp. immaculata native to California?
Yes. Clarkia speciosa subsp. immaculata is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Clarkia speciosa subsp. immaculata bloom?
Clarkia speciosa subsp. immaculata blooms May-Jul.
Where in California does Clarkia speciosa subsp. immaculata grow?
Clarkia speciosa subsp. immaculata occurs in San Luis Obispo, at elevations of < 100 m.
What plant family does Clarkia speciosa subsp. immaculata belong to?
Clarkia speciosa subsp. immaculata is in the Onagraceae family, genus Clarkia.
Is Clarkia speciosa subsp. immaculata rare or endangered?
Clarkia speciosa subsp. immaculata 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.