Clarkia xantiana subsp. xantiana
Photo: parent species Clarkia xantiana · no rights reserved · CC0
Family: Onagraceae · Type: Herb · Native
Clarkia xantiana subsp. xantiana is a native California herb in the Onagraceae family, recognized by larger petals, exserted stigma, distinctive petal lobe pattern.
Kern River clarkia is a California native annual found in southern Sierra Nevada (especially Kern River drainage), Tehachapi, and western Transverse Ranges in foothill woodland at elevations of 500 to 2,000 meters. Flowering from May to August, this plant produces lavender to red-purple flowers with petals 12 to 20 millimeters long, featuring a distinctive stigma that extends beyond the anthers. Growing with slender stems typical of annual wildflowers, it forms delicate clumps in its woodland habitat. Its leaves are likely narrow and elongated, characteristic of the clarkia genus, blending into the understory of foothill woodlands. The plant's vibrant flower color makes it a striking accent in its native woodland environments.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 39 sympatric species; key features are larger petals, exserted stigma, distinctive petal lobe pattern
Habitat and range
Habitat: Foothill woodland
Elevation: 500-2000 m
California counties: Los Angeles, Kern, Tulare
Bloom period
Clarkia xantiana subsp. xantiana blooms May-Aug.
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. xantiana native to California?
Yes. Clarkia xantiana subsp. xantiana is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Clarkia xantiana subsp. xantiana bloom?
Clarkia xantiana subsp. xantiana blooms May-Aug.
Where in California does Clarkia xantiana subsp. xantiana grow?
Clarkia xantiana subsp. xantiana occurs in Los Angeles, Kern, Tulare, at elevations of 500-2000 m.
What plant family does Clarkia xantiana subsp. xantiana belong to?
Clarkia xantiana subsp. xantiana is in the Onagraceae family, genus Clarkia.
What habitat does Clarkia xantiana subsp. xantiana grow in?
Clarkia xantiana subsp. xantiana grows in Foothill woodland.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
- Clarkia affinis — Chaparral clarkia
- Clarkia amoena — Farewell-to-spring
- Clarkia amoena subsp. amoena
- Clarkia amoena subsp. huntiana
- Clarkia amoena subsp. whitneyi — Whitney's farewell-to-spring
- Clarkia arcuata — Glandular clarkia
- Epilobium anagallidifolium — Alpine willowherb
- Epilobium brachycarpum — Annual fireweed
- Epilobium campestre — Smooth boisduvalia
- Epilobium canum — California fuchsia
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.