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winecup clarkia
Scientific Name: Clarkia purpurea ssp. purpurea
Family: Onagraceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Annual
Other Names:
Clarkia purpurea: Winecup Clarkia
Clarkia purpurea is a captivating wildflower species recognized by several common names, including winecup clarkia, winecup fairyfan, and purple clarkia. Its beauty and ease of cultivation make it a delightful addition to gardens.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Clarkia purpurea (W. Curtis) A. Nelson & J.F. Macbr.
- Family: Onagraceae (Evening Primrose family)
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Taxonomic Rank: Species; Subspecies (e.g., Clarkia purpurea ssp. purpurea, Clarkia purpurea ssp. quadrivulnera, Clarkia purpurea ssp. viminea)
- Synonyms: Godetia purpurea (Curtis) G. Don, Clarkia quadrivulnera, Godetia purpurea var. parviflora
- Common Names: Winecup clarkia, winecup fairyfan, purple clarkia, purple godetia, large clarkia, winecup
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to the Western United States, particularly California.
- Found in Northern, Southern, and Central California, especially in the Sacramento area.
- Grows in scrub and chaparral habitats.
- Often found in open, grassy areas and sunny garden environments.
Morphological Characteristics
- Annual plant, growing up to 0.6 meters (2 feet) in height.
- Small, cup-like flowers with four petals.
- Flower colors vary between pink, purple, and maroon or deep wine red.
- Flower Size: small, 1/4 - 1 in
- Solitary Flower Type
- Blooms mid to late spring. Also called Farewell to Spring, because of its late bloom season.
Ecological Role and Interactions
- Special value to native bees.
- Interacts with the California harvester ant (clarkia purpurea ssp quadrivulnera winecup clarkia with california harvester ant).
Additional Information
- The flowers are hermaphrodite, possessing both male and female reproductive organs.
- USDA hardiness zone information is forthcoming (as indicated in the original text).
Further Resources
- The Watershed Nursery (www.thewatershednursery.com)
- Dave's Garden (for gardening tips and ideas)
- UCSC Natural Reserves (copyright 2009 by iluminada design)
- Discover Life (biology, natural history, ecology, identification and distribution information)
- Wikimedia Commons (File:Winecup Clarkia 02.jpg)