Clarkia xantiana subsp. parviflora

Kern canyon clarkia, Kern Canyon Clarkia

Clarkia xantiana — parent species of Clarkia xantiana subsp. parviflora

Photo: parent species Clarkia xantiana · no rights reserved · CC0

Family: Onagraceae · Type: Herb · Native

Conservation status: CNPS 4.2

Clarkia xantiana subsp. parviflora (Kern canyon clarkia) is a native California herb in the Onagraceae family, recognized by smaller petals and stigma not exserted beyond anthers.

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.

Identification and appearance

Key characters: 36 sympatric species; key features are smaller petals and stigma not exserted beyond anthers

Habitat and range

Habitat: dry slopes

Elevation: 1000-1500 m

California counties: Los Angeles, Kern, Tulare, Inyo

Bloom period

Clarkia xantiana subsp. parviflora blooms May-Jun.

Conservation status

CNPS 4.2

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 xantiana subsp. parviflora native to California?

Yes. Clarkia xantiana subsp. parviflora is native to California (recorded as native).

When does Clarkia xantiana subsp. parviflora bloom?

Clarkia xantiana subsp. parviflora blooms May-Jun.

Where in California does Clarkia xantiana subsp. parviflora grow?

Clarkia xantiana subsp. parviflora occurs in Los Angeles, Kern, Tulare, Inyo, at elevations of 1000-1500 m.

What plant family does Clarkia xantiana subsp. parviflora belong to?

Clarkia xantiana subsp. parviflora is in the Onagraceae family, genus Clarkia.

Is Clarkia xantiana subsp. parviflora rare or endangered?

Clarkia xantiana subsp. parviflora carries California Rare Plant Rank 4.2, state rank S3?.

Related species

Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.

All Clarkia species · All Onagraceae

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.