Purple Owl’s Clover

(Castilleja exserta)

Purple Owl’s Clover (Castilleja exserta)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Castilleja exserta, commonly known as Purple Owl’s Clover, is an annual herb that is often evergreen in mild climates. It is native to a variety of habitats including grasslands, chaparral, coastal sage scrub, and open woodlands in the Southwestern United States, particularly California. This species typically grows to a height of 100–450 millimeters (4–18 inches) and features a hairy stem with thready, reduced leaves due to its hemiparasitic nature, as it obtains some nutrients from the roots of other plants through haustoria. The inflorescence is striking, with shaggy pink-purple or lavender flowers that are highly attractive to pollinators during its flowering season in the spring.

Purple Owl’s Clover is valued for its vibrant flowers and its role as a host plant for the Bay checkerspot butterfly, a threatened species. It is used in wildflower meadows, native plant gardens, and restoration projects. It thrives in full sun and requires medium amounts of water, preferring well-drained soils. While it is relatively low-maintenance, it can be challenging to establish due to its parasitic nature and may require the presence of specific host plants. It is not commonly affected by diseases but can suffer from root rot in poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 0.3-1.5 feet
  • Width: 0.2-1 feet
  • Growth Rate: Rapid
  • Flower Color: Pink, Purple, White
  • Flowering Season: Spring
  • Leaf Retention:

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Fast

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Groundcover, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Showy Flowers

Natural Habitat

Native to grasslands, chaparral, coastal sage scrub, and open woodlands in the Southwestern United States, particularly California

Other Names

Common Names: Exserted Indian Paintbrush, Escobita

Scientific Names: , Castilleja exserta, Castilleja exserta subsp. exserta, Orthocarpus purpurascens, Orthocarpus purpurascens var. purpurascens, Orthocarpus purpurascens var. pallidus, Orthocarpus purpurascens var. palmeri, Orthocarpus purpurascens var. ornatus, Orthocarpus exsertus, Orthocarpus purpurascens var. typicus

GBIF Accepted Name: Castilleja exserta (A.Heller) T.I.Chuang & Heckard