Clarkia springvillensis
Springville clarkia
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Family: Onagraceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.2 · Threatened
Clarkia springvillensis (Springville clarkia) is a native California herb in the Onagraceae family, recognized by glabrous glaucous stems and distinctive petal shape/color.
Springville clarkia is a rare (CNPS 1B.2) California native annual found in southern Sierra Nevada Foothills near Springville, Tulare County, in woodland habitat at elevations around 500 meters. Flowering in May, this plant produces lavender-pink flowers with distinctive diamond-shaped petals featuring a dark purple spot near the base, creating a delicate and intricate bloom. Growing up to one meter tall with erect, glaucous stems, it develops slender stems that appear smooth and grayish-green. Its leaves are lanceolate, 2 to 9 centimeters long, with a grayish-green or slightly reddish appearance and smooth texture. The flower's unique characteristics include eight stamens with red outer anthers and a delicate petal structure with a long, slender claw.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 35 sympatric species; key features are glabrous glaucous stems and distinctive petal shape/color
Habitat and range
Habitat: Woodland
Elevation: +- 500 m.
California counties: Tulare
Bloom period
Clarkia springvillensis blooms May.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.2 · Threatened
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 springvillensis native to California?
Yes. Clarkia springvillensis is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Clarkia springvillensis bloom?
Clarkia springvillensis blooms May.
Where in California does Clarkia springvillensis grow?
Clarkia springvillensis occurs in Tulare, at elevations of +- 500 m..
What plant family does Clarkia springvillensis belong to?
Clarkia springvillensis is in the Onagraceae family, genus Clarkia.
Is Clarkia springvillensis rare or endangered?
Clarkia springvillensis carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.2, state rank S2.
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.