Primula clevelandii var. gracilis
no rights reserved, uploaded by rockybajada · CC0
Family: Primulaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Primula clevelandii var. gracilis is a native California herb in the Primulaceae family, recognized by yellow/white spots on filament tube.
Cleveland's primrose is a California native perennial found in the San Francisco Bay, south coastal ranges, western Transverse Ranges, and San Gabriel Mountains in woodland habitats at elevations generally below 600 meters. Flowering from March to May, this plant produces delicate flowers with distinctive yellow or white spots on the filament tube and dark red, black, or yellow anthers with maroon to black connectives. Growing with a compact form typical of woodland primroses, it develops clusters of 3 to 7 flowers. Its leaves form a low rosette, creating a compact ground-hugging appearance characteristic of this delicate species. The plant's intricate floral structure, with its contrasting yellow spots and dark anthers, makes it a subtle yet striking woodland wildflower.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 6 sympatric species; diagnostic yellow/white spots on filament tube
Habitat and range
Habitat: Woodland
Elevation: generally < 600 m
California counties: Monterey
Bloom period
Primula clevelandii var. gracilis blooms Mar-May.
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. gracilis native to California?
Yes. Primula clevelandii var. gracilis is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Primula clevelandii var. gracilis bloom?
Primula clevelandii var. gracilis blooms Mar-May.
Where in California does Primula clevelandii var. gracilis grow?
Primula clevelandii var. gracilis occurs in Monterey, at elevations of generally < 600 m.
What plant family does Primula clevelandii var. gracilis belong to?
Primula clevelandii var. gracilis is in the Primulaceae family, genus Primula.
What habitat does Primula clevelandii var. gracilis grow in?
Primula clevelandii var. gracilis grows in Woodland.
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.