Primula clevelandii var. patula
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Family: Primulaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Primula clevelandii var. patula is a native California herb in the Primulaceae family, recognized by habitat preference and anther connective shape are key.
Cleveland's primrose is a California native perennial found in the central Sierra Nevada, Sierra Nevada foothills, Great Valley, and central western California in moist serpentine or alkaline sites at elevations generally below 600 meters. Flowering from March to May, this plant produces delicate flowers with distinctive coloration, featuring yellow or white spots below each anther and dark purple anthers with maroon or maroon-and-yellow connective tissue. Growing with a compact form typical of primrose species, it develops low-growing clusters of flowering stems. Its leaves form dense rosettes, creating a low-growing ground cover in its preferred moist habitats. The plant's complex flower structure, with its uniquely colored anthers and filament tube, makes it a distinctive member of California's native primrose populations.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 6 sympatric species; habitat preference and anther connective shape are key
Habitat and range
Habitat: Moist places, often on serpentine or in +- alkaline sites
Elevation: generally < 600 m
California counties: San Mateo, Butte, Santa Clara
Bloom period
Primula clevelandii var. patula 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. patula native to California?
Yes. Primula clevelandii var. patula is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Primula clevelandii var. patula bloom?
Primula clevelandii var. patula blooms Mar-May.
Where in California does Primula clevelandii var. patula grow?
Primula clevelandii var. patula occurs in San Mateo, Butte, Santa Clara, at elevations of generally < 600 m.
What plant family does Primula clevelandii var. patula belong to?
Primula clevelandii var. patula is in the Primulaceae family, genus Primula.
What habitat does Primula clevelandii var. patula grow in?
Primula clevelandii var. patula grows in Moist places, often on serpentine or in +- alkaline sites.
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.