Sparaxis tricolor
Harlequin flower
(c) LJ Moore-McClelland, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by LJ Moore-McClelland · licence
Family: Iridaceae · Type: Herb · Not Native
Sparaxis tricolor (Harlequin flower) is a non-native California herb in the Iridaceae family, recognized by differentiation based on flower size and distinctive multi-colored pattern.
Harlequin flower is a naturalized perennial found in the central coastal California bioregion in disturbed sites at elevations below 50 meters. Flowering from March to April, this plant produces striking multi-colored flowers with white, purple, and yellow petals in distinctive combinations. Growing with slender upright stems approximately 15 to 30 centimeters tall, it forms delicate clumps in open ground. Its sword-shaped leaves are arranged in a fan-like pattern, emerging directly from the base of the plant. Native to southern Africa, this ornamental species has become an occasional visitor to California's landscape.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 1 sympatric species; differentiation based on flower size and distinctive multi-colored pattern
Habitat and range
Habitat: Uncommon. Disturbed sites
Elevation: < 50 m
Outside California: native to southern Africa
Bloom period
Sparaxis tricolor blooms Mar-Apr.
How to tell it apart
vs Hemerocallis: Sparaxis has papery crinkled bracts; Hemerocallis has fleshy green bracts and lily-like flowers.; vs Freesia: Sparaxis has bracts cut into narrow segments; Freesia has smooth papery bracts and strongly fragrant tubular flowers.; vs Tropaeolum: Sparaxis has funnel flowers in spikes; Tropaeolum has spurred flowers and round shield-like leaves.; vs Primula: Sparaxis has papery bracts and iris-like leaves; Primula has a basal rosette of broad crinkled leaves.; vs Tulipa: Sparaxis has flowers in spikes with papery bracts; Tulipa has solitary cup-shaped flowers on single stems.
Frequently asked questions
Is Sparaxis tricolor native to California?
No. Sparaxis tricolor is not native to California (recorded as not native).
When does Sparaxis tricolor bloom?
Sparaxis tricolor blooms Mar-Apr.
What plant family does Sparaxis tricolor belong to?
Sparaxis tricolor is in the Iridaceae family, genus Sparaxis.
What habitat does Sparaxis tricolor grow in?
Sparaxis tricolor grows in Uncommon. Disturbed sites.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · 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.