SafePlants

Clarkia amoena

Also known as Farewell-to-Spring or Godetia, Clarkia amoena is a showy flowering plant that adds a touch of elegance to gardens.

Considerations for Pets

• Clarkia amoena can often self-sow, meaning it readily spreads its seeds.
• The plant has been described as having slender stems.

Considerations for Children

• Clarkia amoena can often self-sow, meaning it readily spreads its seeds.
• The plant has been described as having slender stems.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Clarkia amoena (Lehm.) A. Nelson &amp J.F. Macbr.
• Synonyms: Godetia amoena, Godetia grandiflora
• Family: Onagraceae (evening-primrose family)

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to western North America.
• Found in coastal hills and mountains, particularly in California and British Columbia.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• An upright or sprawling annual plant.
• Typically grows to a height of 16-24 inches (approximately 75cm or 2 feet).
• Features lance-shaped, simple leaves.
• Showy, funnel-shaped or bowl-shaped flowers.
• Flowers are cup-shaped and can be lilac, crimson, salmon-pink, pink, or white-centered.
• Flowers are 1" to 2" in size and bloom in late spring or summer.
• Flowers form in lax racemes or loose inflorescences.

Ecological Role

• Requires very little moisture once established.
• The flowers are very attractive to bees.
• Often self-sows, making it a hardy annual.

Quirky Facts

• The genus name "Clarkia" honors Captain William Clark of the Lewis & Clark Expedition of 1806.
• It's also known as "Summer's Darling," blooming when many other plants are past their flowering stage.

Further Information

• USDA Plant Fact Sheet available (Plant Symbol = CLAM).
• CalPhotos: click on a photo to see it bigger.