SafePlants

Elegant Clarkia (Clarkia unguiculata)

Clarkia unguiculata, commonly known as elegant clarkia or mountain garland, is a beautiful wildflower native to California. Its vibrant blooms add a splash of color to gardens and natural landscapes.

Considerations for Pets and Children

• This plant produces seeds.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Clarkia unguiculata Lindl.
• Family: Onagraceae (Evening Primrose family)
• Synonyms: Clarkia elegans Douglas, nom. illeg.
• Common Names: Elegant Clarkia, Mountain Garland, Garland Flower, Farewell-to-spring, Elegant Fairyfan

Distribution and Habitat

• Clarkia unguiculata is endemic to California, meaning it is naturally found only in this region.
• It thrives in California foothills and lowlands, typically below 5000 feet.
• It is commonly found along open roadsides, dry forests, shrublands, and grasslands.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Elegant clarkia is an annual herb, growing up to 0.6 meters (2 feet) tall, sometimes reaching 3-4 feet.
• It is described as a stout, erect, glabrous (smooth), and glaucous (covered with a whitish waxy coating) annual.
• The upper cauline leaves are helically alternate, toothed, and linear to linear-lanceolate in shape.
• It blooms from June to October, with seeds ripening from August to October.

Uses

• Indigenous Californians traditionally sowed Clarkia species and harvested the seeds for food.
• It is suitable for wildflower meadows, borders, filler between shrubs, accents, and container planting.
• The flowers are attractive in mass plantings and beds.
• The long-lasting cut flowers are highly valued.

Quirky Facts

• The genus name "Clarkia" was given in recognition of Captain William Clark of the Lewis & Clark Expedition.

Additional Information

• Sunset Zones: Plant care is detailed for Sunset Zones 23-24 or USDA Zones 9b, 10a, and 10b.