Clarkia gracilis (Piper) A.Nelson & J.F.Macbr.

Nomenclature

Clarkia gracilis (Piper) A.Nelson & J.F.Macbr. is a species of wildflower with the common name slender clarkia.

Native Range

This species is native to the U.S. states of California, Oregon, and Washington, where it grows in coastal, foothill, valley, and low-elevation mountain habitats.

Stem and Leaf Morphology

The species shows variation across its recognized subspecies, but individuals generally grow an erect, slender stem that holds a few sparse, narrow leaves several centimeters in length.

Inflorescence Structure

The plant produces an inflorescence made up of drooping buds, which open into bowl-shaped flowers.

Flower Characteristics

The flowers have pinkish lavender petals 1 to 4 centimeters long, and each petal bears a red or white splotch; the position of this splotch (either in the center or at the base of the petal) varies by subspecies.

Recognized Subspecies

Four subspecies are currently recognized: C. g. ssp. albicaulis, common name white-stemmed clarkia, an uncommon subspecies found only in Butte County, California; C. g. ssp. gracilis, a more common subspecies; C. g. ssp. sonomensis, common name Sonoma clarkia, found in northern California and southern Oregon; and C. g. ssp. tracyi, common name Tracy's clarkia, limited to the inland Northern Coast Ranges of California.