Kickxia spuria
Fluellin
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Family: Plantaginaceae · Type: Herb · Not Native
Kickxia spuria (Fluellin) is a non-native California herb in the Plantaginaceae family, recognized by . Key diagnostic: calyx lobe shape, enlargement, and cordate base in fruit.
Fluellin is a naturalized perennial found in northern and central California regions including the Great Valley, San Francisco Bay Area, coastal ranges, and Transverse Ranges in disturbed, open places below 600 meters elevation. Flowering from July to December, this plant produces distinctive yellow flowers with a deep purple upper lip, measuring 10 to 15 millimeters long. Growing with spreading or ascending stems, it has a branching habit that allows it to colonize open ground quickly. Its leaves are arranged alternately, with ovate to rounded blades that complement the plant's low-growing form. The fruit develops in an enlarged calyx with a heart-shaped base, measuring 3 to 5 millimeters long.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 1 sympatric species. Key diagnostic: calyx lobe shape, enlargement, and cordate base in fruit
Habitat and range
Habitat: Disturbed, open places
Elevation: < 600 m
California counties: El Dorado, Yolo, Mariposa, Solano, Santa Clara, Los Angeles, Merced, Alameda, San Diego, Amador, Glenn, Calaveras, Sonoma, Sacramento, Mendocino, San Luis Obispo, Colusa, Santa Cruz, Stanislaus, Humboldt, San Joaquin, Napa, Tuolumne, San Mateo, Ventura, Monterey
Outside California: native to Europe
Bloom period
Kickxia spuria blooms Jul-Dec.
How to tell it apart
vs Acmispon: Kickxia has spurred snapdragon-like flowers; Acmispon has pea-family flowers with banner and keel.; vs Nuttallanthus: Kickxia sprawls flat on ground; Nuttallanthus stands upright with flowers in terminal spike.; vs Linaria: Kickxia sprawls with broad heart-shaped leaves; Linaria stands upright with narrow needle-like leaves.; vs Antirrhinum: Kickxia has spurred flowers and sprawling habit; Antirrhinum lacks spurs and grows upright.
Frequently asked questions
Is Kickxia spuria native to California?
No. Kickxia spuria is not native to California (recorded as not native).
When does Kickxia spuria bloom?
Kickxia spuria blooms Jul-Dec.
Where in California does Kickxia spuria grow?
Kickxia spuria occurs in El Dorado, Yolo, Mariposa, Solano, Santa Clara, Los Angeles, Merced, Alameda and other counties, at elevations of < 600 m.
What plant family does Kickxia spuria belong to?
Kickxia spuria is in the Plantaginaceae family, genus Kickxia.
What habitat does Kickxia spuria grow in?
Kickxia spuria grows in Disturbed, open places.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
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.