chaparral clarkia
Clarkia affinis H.Lewis & M.E.Lewis
Chaparral clarkia has erect, finely hairy stems reaching around eighty centimetres, with narrow leaves spaced along them. Its bowl-shaped flowers sit above developing capsules whose shape helps distinguish the species from close relatives. FNA: Clarkia affinis
Botanical name
FNA recognizes Clarkia affinis H.Lewis & M.E.Lewis. FNA: Clarkia affinis
Recognizing the plant
The sepals bend back together to one side, and each flower has eight stamens. The developing capsule is notably slender, at least ten times longer than wide, with a short beak and shallow grooves. These details help separate the species from the closely related Clarkia purpurea, whose immature capsules are stouter and more deeply grooved. FNA: Clarkia affinis
Bloom window
California
The North American flora records April-to-June flowering in California, linking its display to spring and the approach of summer. FNA: Clarkia affinis
Native range
This annual is native only to California. Its principal range lies in west-central California and the North Coast Ranges, with scattered occurrences in the Sierra Nevada foothills and western Transverse Ranges. It grows in openings within woodland and chaparral, from sea level to about five hundred metres elevation. FNA: Clarkia affinisCalflora: Clarkia affinis
Botanical sources
Reviewed 2026-10-11. Seasonal development varies with location and growing conditions.