Clarkia xantiana subsp. xantiana

Family: Onagraceae · Type: annual · Native

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.

Habitat: Foothill woodland

Bloom period: May-Aug

Elevation: 500-2000 m

Bioregions: s SN (esp Kern River drainage), Teh, WTR.

California counties: Los Angeles, Kern, Tulare

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