Clarkia tembloriensis subsp. tembloriensis
Photo: parent species Clarkia tembloriensis · (c) paulexcoff, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · licence
Family: Onagraceae · Type: Herb · Native
Clarkia tembloriensis subsp. tembloriensis is a native California herb in the Onagraceae family, recognized by calientensis by petal width and variable stigma exsertion.
Temblor clarkia is a California native annual found in southern Sierra Nevada foothills, San Joaquin Valley, and south coastal ranges in dry grasslands and scrublands at elevations of 100 to 500 meters. Flowering from April to May, this plant produces delicate petals less than 10 millimeters wide with a distinctive stigma extending beyond its anthers. Growing with slender stems up to 30 to 50 centimeters tall, it forms an elegant upright habit typical of wildflower meadows. Its leaves are typically narrow and elongated, arranged alternately along the stem, providing a graceful backdrop to its subtle floral display. The plant's compact flower structure and ability to thrive in dry, challenging environments make it a characteristic species of California's grassland ecosystems.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 44 sympatric species; distinguished from calientensis by petal width and variable stigma exsertion
Habitat and range
Habitat: dry grassland, scrub
Elevation: 100-500 m
California counties: Kings, San Joaquin, Fresno, San Benito, Kern, Alameda, San Luis Obispo, Merced, Stanislaus, Ventura
Bloom period
Clarkia tembloriensis subsp. tembloriensis blooms Apr-May.
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 tembloriensis subsp. tembloriensis native to California?
Yes. Clarkia tembloriensis subsp. tembloriensis is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Clarkia tembloriensis subsp. tembloriensis bloom?
Clarkia tembloriensis subsp. tembloriensis blooms Apr-May.
Where in California does Clarkia tembloriensis subsp. tembloriensis grow?
Clarkia tembloriensis subsp. tembloriensis occurs in Kings, San Joaquin, Fresno, San Benito, Kern, Alameda, San Luis Obispo, Merced and other counties, at elevations of 100-500 m.
What plant family does Clarkia tembloriensis subsp. tembloriensis belong to?
Clarkia tembloriensis subsp. tembloriensis is in the Onagraceae family, genus Clarkia.
What habitat does Clarkia tembloriensis subsp. tembloriensis grow in?
Clarkia tembloriensis subsp. tembloriensis grows in dry grassland, scrub.
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.