Proboscidea lutea
Yellow devil's claw
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Family: Martyniaceae · Type: Herb · Not Native
Proboscidea lutea (Yellow devil's claw) is a non-native California herb in the Martyniaceae family.
Yellow devil's claw is a naturalized annual found in the Great Valley, San Francisco Bay Area, and potentially other regions in open, disturbed places at elevations below 500 meters. Flowering from July to August, this plant produces yellow flowers often with an orange tinge and darker markings. Growing up to 20 centimeters tall with spreading stems, it develops distinctive branching habit in open areas. Its leaves are broad and rounded, typically 10 to 20 centimeters wide, with edges that may be entire or slightly toothed. The fruit is particularly notable, forming an ovate body 3 to 4 centimeters wide with short spines.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 1 sympatric species. Key differentiator: yellow vs white flowers, short-spiny fruits
Habitat and range
Habitat: Uncommon. Open, disturbed places
Elevation: < 500 m
California counties: Riverside, Los Angeles, San Joaquin, Kern, Solano, Placer, Butte, Sutter, Amador, Contra Costa, San Luis Obispo, Colusa, Napa, Stanislaus, Yolo
Outside California: native to South America
Bloom period
Proboscidea lutea blooms Jul-Aug.
How to tell it apart
vs Ibicella: Ibicella's beak splits into two curved claws; Proboscidea's beak remains a single curved hook.; vs Streptocarpus: Streptocarpus has straight, unhooked capsules; Proboscidea's capsules curve into a dramatic hook.; vs Harpagophytum: Harpagophytum has multiple radiating hooks; Proboscidea has a single curved beak.; vs Mimulus: Mimulus has tiny capsules under 2 cm; Proboscidea's massive capsules are 5-35 cm long.; vs Limosella: Limosella has tiny capsules under 5 mm; Proboscidea's are massively larger at 5+ cm.
Frequently asked questions
Is Proboscidea lutea native to California?
No. Proboscidea lutea is not native to California (recorded as not native).
When does Proboscidea lutea bloom?
Proboscidea lutea blooms Jul-Aug.
Where in California does Proboscidea lutea grow?
Proboscidea lutea occurs in Riverside, Los Angeles, San Joaquin, Kern, Solano, Placer, Butte, Sutter and other counties, at elevations of < 500 m.
What plant family does Proboscidea lutea belong to?
Proboscidea lutea is in the Martyniaceae family, genus Proboscidea.
What habitat does Proboscidea lutea grow in?
Proboscidea lutea grows in Uncommon. Open, disturbed places.
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.