SafePlants

Clarkia amoena: Farewell to Spring

Clarkia amoena, commonly known as Farewell to Spring or Godetia, is a charming annual flowering plant that adds a splash of color to gardens and natural landscapes alike.

Considerations for Pets

• This plant has been described as slender, which may suggest delicate stems or leaves that could be easily damaged by pets.

Considerations for Children

• The plant produces seeds, which may be of interest to children.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Clarkia amoena (Lehm.) A. Nelson &amp J.F. Macbr.
• Synonyms: Godetia amoena. Note that "Godetia" is sometimes used as a common name.
• Family: Onagraceae (evening-primrose family)

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to western North America.
• Frequently found in coastal hills and mountains.
• Also reported in British Columbia.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• An annual plant that typically grows up to 75cm (approximately 2 feet) tall.
• Stems are often bright red.
• Leaves are lance-shaped.
• Flowers are showy, cup-shaped, and range in color from lilac and pink to salmon-pink and sometimes white.
• Flowers are 1 to 2 inches in diameter.
• Forms loose inflorescences (racemes).

Ecological Role

• Attractive to bees.
• Often self-sows.

Quirky Facts

• The genus name, "Clarkia," honors Captain William Clark of the Lewis &amp Clark Expedition of 1806.
• Also known as "Summer's Darling."
• It is called "Farewell to Spring" because it blooms right when summer arrives in the western Sierra foothills and displays its colorful flowers in late spring.

Cultivation

• Hardy annual.
• Grows well in sandy soil.
• Can be started directly outdoors in a prepared seedbed.
• Likes full sun and low water conditions.
• Fall planting will result in summer blooms.

Further Information

• USDA Plant Fact Sheet available.
• Photos available at CalPhotos.
• Tips and ideas shared on Dave's Garden.