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(Clarkia unguiculata)
Elegant Clarkia (Clarkia unguiculata)
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George Williams
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
George Williams
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: George Williams | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: George Williams | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2020-05-11T07:02:56-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Clarkia unguiculata, commonly known as elegant clarkia or mountain garland, is an annual herb that is endemic to California. It thrives in a variety of habitats, including chaparral, coastal sage scrub, and open woodlands, particularly within the California Floristic Province. This species is often found on slopes and in clearings, where it benefits from the seasonal climate. Elegant clarkia reaches a modest height of 1 to 3 feet and is noted for its slender, erect stems and lance-shaped leaves. The plant blooms from late spring to early summer, showcasing its paddle-like petals that range in color from pink to reddish to purple. The flowers are quite showy, with hairy, fused sepals forming a cup beneath the corolla, and four slender, diamond-shaped or triangular petals. Each flower has eight long stamens, the outer four of which have large red anthers, adding to its ornamental appeal.
Elegant clarkia is valued for its vibrant flowers and is often used in wildflower gardens, native plant landscapes, and as a cut flower due to its long vase life. It is relatively easy to maintain, requiring minimal care once established. This plant is adapted to California’s Mediterranean climate, preferring full sun to part shade and tolerating low to medium water conditions. It is best grown in well-draining soils. While elegant clarkia is not known for significant pest or disease issues, it can be susceptible to powdery mildew if the air circulation is poor. It is also important to note that while it is not typically invasive, it can self-seed prolifically under ideal conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0
Elegant clarkia is valued for its vibrant flowers and is often used in wildflower gardens, native plant landscapes, and as a cut flower due to its long vase life. It is relatively easy to maintain, requiring minimal care once established. This plant is adapted to California’s Mediterranean climate, preferring full sun to part shade and tolerating low to medium water conditions. It is best grown in well-draining soils. While elegant clarkia is not known for significant pest or disease issues, it can be susceptible to powdery mildew if the air circulation is poor. It is also important to note that while it is not typically invasive, it can self-seed prolifically under ideal conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 1.5-4 feet
- Width: 0.7-1 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Pink, Purple
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention:
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Low, Medium
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rock Garden, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
Native to chaparral, coastal sage scrub, and open woodlands within the California Floristic Province
Other Names
Common Names: Mountain Garland, Clarkia, Clarkie, Sommerfuchsie
Scientific Names: , Clarkia unguiculata, Clarkia elegans, Clarkia eiseneana, Oenothera elegans, Phaeostoma douglasii, Phaeostoma elegans,
GBIF Accepted Name: Clarkia unguiculata Lindl.