About Diplacus pictus (Greene) G.L.Nesom
Diplacus pictus is a small annual herb that reaches a height between 2 and 38 centimeters, or 1 and 15 inches. Its stem is hairy and has a rectangular cross-section. The leaves of this plant are arranged oppositely, have a somewhat oval shape, and grow up to 4.5 centimeters long. The tubular base of the flower is wrapped in a dark reddish calyx of sepals that has uneven lobes. The five-lobed flower has a maroon throat, while its circular opening is white with prominent, intricately patterned purple-brown veining. Its blooming period occurs between March and May. This wildflower is endemic to California, and only grows above the southeastern San Joaquin Valley in Kern County and Tulare County. It is found exclusively in the western Tehachapi Mountains and the southernmost foothills of the Sierra Nevada, at elevations ranging from 135 to 1,250 meters, or 443 to 4,101 feet. It grows in open California oak woodland habitat, in bare rocky soils surrounding granite outcrops. It is listed as an Endangered species on the California Native Plant Society Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants.
