Kniphofia uvaria

Family: Asphodelaceae · Type: perennial · Not Native

Conservation status: Cal-IPC Yes

Red hot poker is a naturalized perennial found in coastal California counties including northern and central coastal regions in marsh, creek margins, chaparral, and disturbed places at elevations below 100 meters. Flowering from April to July, this plant produces striking red and yellow flowers in dense spikes 15 to 25 centimeters long with rounded perianth lobes. Growing with tall, upright stems 50 to 130 centimeters high, it develops dramatic vertical flower clusters. Its long, pointed leaves extend 60 to 100 centimeters, creating dramatic sword-like foliage with sharp, linear shape. The flowers feature exserted stamens and style, creating an eye-catching display of vibrant red transitioning to yellow as blooms mature.

Habitat: Marsh, creek margins, chaparral, canyons, disturbed places, often sandy

Bloom period: Apr-Jul

Elevation: < 100 m

Bioregions: NCo, CCo, expected elsewhere

California counties: Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Mendocino, Humboldt, Sonoma, Alameda, Contra Costa, Santa Cruz, Monterey

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