About Clarkia speciosa F.H. & M.E.Lewis
Clarkia speciosa is a species of flowering plant in the evening primrose family, commonly called redspot clarkia. It is endemic to California, found in the Central Coast, the state's mountains, and the Sierra Nevada foothills. This species varies in form across its intergrading subspecies, growing with a decumbent to erect stem up to around half a meter long. Its open or dense inflorescence holds open flowers and multiple closed buds. When buds open, all sepals separate from one another. The fan-shaped petals can reach up to 2.5 centimeters in length, and range in color from lavender to pink to deep red; they often fade to white or yellowish at the base. A large bright red spot near the center of the petal is present in some individuals but not all. There are four recognized subspecies of Clarkia speciosa. One subspecies, C. speciosa subsp. immaculata, also sometimes classified as variety immaculata, is commonly called Pismo clarkia, and is federally listed as an endangered species. This subspecies is known from approximately 20 occurrences on the coastline of San Luis Obispo County, near Pismo Beach. It grows in a decumbent form, and its petals do not have the characteristic red spot. Two other subspecies, nitens and polyantha, are found only in the Sierra foothills.
