Mirabilis multiflora
Colorado four o'clock
Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Nyctaginaceae · Type: Subshrub · Native
Mirabilis multiflora (Colorado four o'clock) is a native California subshrub in the Nyctaginaceae family, recognized by Large bell-shaped 6-flowered involucres (bracts 22-35 mm); huge 40-60 mm magenta trumpet flowers.
Colorado four o'clock is a native perennial found in southwestern regions of North America in rocky or desert habitats at moderate elevations. Flowering from late spring to summer, this plant produces magenta flowers 40 to 60 millimeters long in bell-shaped clusters with six blooms per involucre. Growing 3 to 8 decimeters tall with ascending to erect stems, it has a robust and somewhat sprawling growth habit. Its leaves are distinctive, with fleshy rounded to ovate blades 3 to 12 centimeters long, initially glandular-hairy and becoming smoother with age. The fruit is an elliptical structure 6 to 11 millimeters long, often marked with 10 subtle lines or low ribs.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Large bell-shaped 6-flowered involucres (bracts 22-35 mm); huge 40-60 mm magenta trumpet flowers
Habitat and range
California counties: Kern, San Bernardino, Riverside, Inyo, Los Angeles, San Diego, Ventura, San Benito, Orange
How to tell it apart
vs Nicotiana: Mirabilis flowers sit in a cup of 5 green bracts; Nicotiana has true tubular flowers with 5-lobed petals.; vs Allionia: Mirabilis has 5 bracts and symmetrical flowers; Allionia has 3 bracts and 3 lopsided flowers.; vs Phacelia: Mirabilis flowers sit in green bract cups; Phacelia has coiled clusters with 5 separate petals and hairy leaves.; vs Petunia: Mirabilis has colorful sepals in bract cups; Petunia has fused true petals forming a funnel with capsule fruits.; vs Pelargonium: Mirabilis has opposite leaves and flowers in bract cups; Pelargonium has alternate leaves and 5 separate petals.
Frequently asked questions
Is Mirabilis multiflora native to California?
Yes. Mirabilis multiflora is native to California (recorded as native).
Where in California does Mirabilis multiflora grow?
Mirabilis multiflora occurs in Kern, San Bernardino, Riverside, Inyo, Los Angeles, San Diego, Ventura, San Benito and other counties.
What plant family does Mirabilis multiflora belong to?
Mirabilis multiflora is in the Nyctaginaceae family, genus Mirabilis.
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.