SafePlants

Collinsia heterophylla: A California Native

Collinsia heterophylla, also known as Purple Chinese Houses or Innocence, is a captivating flowering plant that brings a touch of elegance to its native landscapes.

Common Names

• Purple Chinese Houses
• Innocence
• Collinsia bicolor
• Harlequin Blue-eyed Mary
• Chinese Pagodas

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Collinsia heterophylla Buist ex Graham
• Synonym: Collinsia bicolor
• Family: Scrophulariaceae (mentioned in one instance but needs verification based on more authoritative sources)
• Taxonomic Rank: Species

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to California and Baja California (Peninsular Ranges in northern Baja California).
• Often found on damp, disturbed north-facing slopes, such as old road cuts.
• Grows on shady slopes and sheltered rocky, forested hillsides.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Annual plant, meaning it completes its life cycle in one year.
• Reaches a height of 1 to 2 feet.
• Features flowers arranged in whorls of 2-7, with each whorl smaller than the one below, creating a pagoda-like appearance.
• Flowers have a lilac or white upper lip and a rose-purple or violet lower lip.
• Blooms in spring and early summer.
• Flowers are described as white and lavender to pale-blue, growing in perfect rings of widely spaced bands around the stems.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• The flowers are attractive to native bees.
• Considered a good choice for wildlife or butterfly gardens.

Quirky Facts

• The arrangement of the flowers in tiers resembles the structure of Chinese pagodas, hence the common name "Purple Chinese Houses."

Further Resources

• CalPhotos is mentioned as a source of photographs of Collinsia heterophylla.
• Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary is mentioned in reference to the flower arrangement.