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winecup clarkia

Scientific Name: Clarkia purpurea ssp. viminea

Family: Onagraceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Annual

Other Names:

       

Clarkia purpurea: Winecup Clarkia and More

Clarkia purpurea is a delightful wildflower known by several common names, including winecup clarkia, winecup fairyfan, and purple clarkia. Its beauty, ease of cultivation, and value to native pollinators make it a charming addition to gardens.

Considerations for Pets and Children

  • The plant produces small, cup-like flowers.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Clarkia purpurea (W. Curtis) A. Nelson &amp J.F. Macbr.
  • Common Names: Winecup clarkia, winecup fairyfan, purple clarkia, purple godetia, large clarkia, purple fairy-fan.
  • Family: Onagraceae (Evening Primrose family)
  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Taxonomic Rank: Species; also has recognized subspecies.
  • Synonyms: Godetia purpurea (Curtis) G. Don, Clarkia quadrivulnera, Godetia purpurea var. parviflora
  • Subspecies:
    • Clarkia purpurea ssp. purpurea
    • Clarkia purpurea ssp. quadrivulnera (Douglas ex Lindl.) F.H. Lewis
    • Clarkia purpurea ssp. viminea (Douglas) F.H. Lewis

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to the Western US, particularly California.
  • Also found outside of California, but its distribution is limited.
  • Commonly found in scrub and chaparral habitats.
  • Adapts well to sunny garden situations and open grassy places.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • An annual herb, growing up to 0.6 meters (2 feet) in height.
  • Small, cup-like flowers with four petals, typically pink, purple, or deep wine red/maroon.
  • Flower size is small, ranging from 1/4 to 1 inch.
  • Flowers are solitary.

Ecological Role

  • Special value to native bees.
  • Interactions with California harvester ants have been noted with subspecies quadrivulnera.

Quirky Facts

  • Also called "Farewell to Spring" due to its late bloom season.
  • The text suggests that "This species deserves a more interesting common name, because it is quite lovely, distinctive, and easy to grow."

Additional Information

  • The flowers are hermaphrodite, possessing both male and female organs.
  • Blooms mid to late spring.

Further Resources

  • The Watershed Nursery: www.thewatershednursery.com
  • Dave's Garden (for gardening tips and ideas)
  • Discover Life: A page dedicated to the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Clarkia purpurea.
  • UCSC Natural Reserves
  • Wikimedia Commons (for media)