Downingia concolor var. brevior
Cuyamaca lake downingia, Cuyamaca Lake Downingia
Photo: parent species Downingia concolor · (c) Chaye Vail, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Campanulaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.1
Downingia concolor var. brevior (Cuyamaca lake downingia) is a native California herb in the Campanulaceae family, recognized by geographically restricted with distinctive single purple spot.
Cuyamaca lake downingia is a rare (CNPS 1B.1) California native annual found in central Peninsular Ranges at Cuyamaca Lake in lakeshore habitats at an elevation of 1,400 meters. Flowering from May to July, this delicate plant produces flowers that are typically blue or white with distinctive compact formations. Growing with slender stems reaching up to 30 centimeters tall, it forms small, dense clusters in moist lakeside environments. Its leaves are narrow and elongated, positioned alternately along the stem with fine, lance-shaped margins. The fruit is an elongated capsule 12 to 30 millimeters long that readily splits open, revealing translucent internal lines.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 2 sympatric species; geographically restricted with distinctive single purple spot
Habitat and range
Habitat: Lakeshores
Elevation: 1400 m
California counties: San Diego
Bloom period
Downingia concolor var. brevior blooms May-Jul.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.1
How to tell it apart
vs Porterella: Downingia flowers lack yellow ridges; Porterella has two distinctive yellow ridges on the lower lip.; vs Nemacladus: Downingia has showy blue flowers sitting on stem; Nemacladus has threadlike flowers on long stalks.; vs Legenere: Downingia has blue two-lipped flowers; Legenere has small white flowers with nearly equal petals.; vs Lobelia: Downingia is a vernal pool annual; Lobelia is perennial with spherical seed pods.; vs Howellia: Downingia flowers have no stalk; Howellia has short but visible flower stalks 1-8mm long.
Frequently asked questions
Is Downingia concolor var. brevior native to California?
Yes. Downingia concolor var. brevior is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Downingia concolor var. brevior bloom?
Downingia concolor var. brevior blooms May-Jul.
Where in California does Downingia concolor var. brevior grow?
Downingia concolor var. brevior occurs in San Diego, at elevations of 1400 m.
What plant family does Downingia concolor var. brevior belong to?
Downingia concolor var. brevior is in the Campanulaceae family, genus Downingia.
Is Downingia concolor var. brevior rare or endangered?
Downingia concolor var. brevior carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.1, state rank S1.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
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.