Clarkia xantiana subsp. parviflora

Kern canyon clarkia, Kern Canyon Clarkia

Family: Onagraceae · Type: annual · Native

Conservation status: CNPS 4.2

Kern canyon clarkia is a rare (CNPS 4.2) California native annual found in southern Sierra Nevada, especially in the Kern River drainage, on dry slopes at elevations of 1,000 to 1,500 meters. Flowering from May to June, this delicate plant produces lavender-pink or white flowers with petals 6 to 12 millimeters long. Growing with slender, upright stems typically 10 to 30 centimeters tall, it forms a compact and graceful annual herb. Its leaves are narrow and lance-shaped, arranged alternately along the stem, contributing to its airy, delicate appearance. The flower's stigma remains nestled among the anthers, creating a subtle and intricate botanical design.

Habitat: dry slopes

Bloom period: May-Jun

Elevation: 1000-1500 m

Bioregions: s SN (esp Kern River drainage).

California counties: Los Angeles, Kern, Tulare, Inyo

Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Jepson eFlora, Cal-IPC, and more.