Kniphofia uvaria
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Family: Asphodelaceae · Type: Herb · Not Native
Conservation status: Cal-IPC Yes
Kniphofia uvaria is a non-native California herb in the Asphodelaceae family, recognized by Recent garden escape - naturalized introduction from southern African highlands.
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.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Recent garden escape - naturalized introduction from southern African highlands
Habitat and range
Habitat: Marsh, creek margins, chaparral, canyons, disturbed places, often sandy
Elevation: < 100 m
California counties: Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Mendocino, Humboldt, Sonoma, Alameda, Contra Costa, Santa Cruz, Monterey
Outside California: southern Africa
Bloom period
Kniphofia uvaria blooms Apr-Jul.
Conservation status
Cal-IPC Yes
How to tell it apart
vs Aloe: Kniphofia has thin grass-like leaves without spines; Aloe has thick succulent leaves with saw-toothed spiny margins.; vs Asphodelus: Kniphofia has dense poker-like red spikes; Asphodelus has branched stems with small white star flowers.; vs Bulbine: Kniphofia has large tubular flowers in torch spikes; Bulbine has tiny yellow star flowers on simple stalks.; vs Clintonia: Kniphofia has red tubular flowers in dense upright spikes; Clintonia has nodding bell flowers and broad forest leaves.; vs Leucocrinum: Kniphofia has tall flowering stalks; Leucocrinum has stemless white flowers emerging directly from ground level.
Frequently asked questions
Is Kniphofia uvaria native to California?
No. Kniphofia uvaria is not native to California (recorded as not native).
When does Kniphofia uvaria bloom?
Kniphofia uvaria blooms Apr-Jul.
Where in California does Kniphofia uvaria grow?
Kniphofia uvaria occurs in Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Mendocino, Humboldt, Sonoma, Alameda, Contra Costa, Santa Cruz and other counties, at elevations of < 100 m.
What plant family does Kniphofia uvaria belong to?
Kniphofia uvaria is in the Asphodelaceae family, genus Kniphofia.
Is Kniphofia uvaria invasive in California?
Kniphofia uvaria is listed by Cal-IPC with an invasiveness rating of Yes.
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.