Downingia laeta, commonly known as Great Basin calicoflower, is an annual herb native to vernal pools, wet meadows, and other seasonally wet habitats in western North America, ranging from California to Saskatchewan. It typically grows to a height of 4-16 inches (10-40 cm) with a thick, erect stem and a few short, pointed leaves. The plant is notable for its striking flowers, which bloom from late spring to early summer. Each flower features a vibrant light blue or purple upper lip and a lower lip adorned with yellow spots and occasional purple or pink streaks, making it quite showy and attractive to pollinators.

Great Basin calicoflower is valued for its ornamental beauty in wildflower gardens and naturalistic plantings, especially in areas that mimic its native wetland conditions. It is often used to enhance the biodiversity of restored habitats. In cultivation, it requires consistently moist soil and full sun to part shade. While generally low-maintenance, it can be short-lived and may need to be reseeded annually to maintain a presence in the garden. It is not known for any significant problems with diseases or pests, but its habitat requirements must be met for successful growth.CC BY-SA 4.0