Primula clevelandii var. clevelandii
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Family: Primulaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Primula clevelandii var. clevelandii is a native California herb in the Primulaceae family, recognized by absence of spots on filament tube.
Cleveland's primrose is a California native perennial found in southern California coastal, Transverse, and Peninsular ranges in grassy slopes and flats at elevations generally below 600 meters. Flowering from February to April, this plant produces delicate flowers with distinctive yellow or purple-yellow anthers in small clusters of 1 to 16 blooms. Growing with low, compact stems forming dense clumps, it develops a tight rosette of green leaves close to the ground. Its leaves are broadly oval, arranged in a circular pattern, creating a low-growing mound of soft green foliage. The flower clusters emerge from the center of the leaf rosette, creating a charming display of subtle, clustered blossoms.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 4 sympatric species; key feature is absence of spots on filament tube
Habitat and range
Habitat: Grassy slopes, flats
Elevation: generally < 600 m
California counties: Orange, San Diego, Riverside
Outside California: Baja California
Bloom period
Primula clevelandii var. clevelandii blooms Feb-Apr.
How to tell it apart
vs Lantana: Primula has backward-swept petals in umbrella-shaped clusters; Lantana has flat-faced flowers in dense rounded heads.; vs Pelargonium: Primula petals reflex dramatically backward with stamens forming a cone; Pelargonium petals spread forward with separate stamens.; vs Oenothera: Primula flowers have backward-swept petals in umbel clusters; Oenothera has bowl-shaped flowers opening singly or in spikes.; vs Cistanthe: Primula has backward-swept petals and cone-shaped stamens; Cistanthe has flat, rounded petals with separate stamens.; vs Kalanchoe: Primula is an herbaceous wildflower with reflexed petals; Kalanchoe is a succulent with tubular upright flowers.
Frequently asked questions
Is Primula clevelandii var. clevelandii native to California?
Yes. Primula clevelandii var. clevelandii is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Primula clevelandii var. clevelandii bloom?
Primula clevelandii var. clevelandii blooms Feb-Apr.
Where in California does Primula clevelandii var. clevelandii grow?
Primula clevelandii var. clevelandii occurs in Orange, San Diego, Riverside, at elevations of generally < 600 m.
What plant family does Primula clevelandii var. clevelandii belong to?
Primula clevelandii var. clevelandii is in the Primulaceae family, genus Primula.
What habitat does Primula clevelandii var. clevelandii grow in?
Primula clevelandii var. clevelandii grows in Grassy slopes, flats.
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.