When does Clarkia unguiculata bloom?

Clarkia unguiculata blooms from April through July, producing clusters of distinctive four-petaled flowers.

What pollinators does Clarkia unguiculata attract?

This California native attracts bees and butterflies with its nectar-rich flowers during the spring and early summer blooming period.

Where is Clarkia unguiculata native?

Clarkia unguiculata is native to California, where it grows naturally in grasslands, oak woodlands, and chaparral communities.

Is Clarkia HOA-friendly?

Clarkia is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.

Clarkia

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Clarkia unguiculata

Last reviewed: July 2026

Clarkia unguiculata is a California native wildflower that blooms from April through July with showy pink flowers. This drought-tolerant annual thrives in full sun and attracts bees and butterflies.

Clarkia (Clarkia unguiculata) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org (opens in new tab), last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

12"–36" H × 6"–18" W

Bloom

Apr, May, Jun, Jul

Native to

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Sierra Nevada Central California Valley Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Southern California Mountains

Clarkia unguiculata is a colorful native wildflower growing 1-3 feet tall with showy, cup-shaped blooms in shades of pink, lavender, and red. It blooms profusely from late spring through early summer and thrives in full sun with minimal water, making it excellent for water-wise gardens.

Growing Clarkia

Grow Clarkia in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 36 inches tall and spread 6 to 18 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Clarkia is an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.

Works well in: mid zone, front yard.

Annual nature means seasonal replanting or reseeding
Can look somewhat untidy after blooming
May self-seed and appear unplanned if not managed

Wildlife value

Host plant for checkered skipper.

This plant is highly attractive to native bees and butterflies, serving as an important nectar source during its bloom period. Its abundant flowers support a variety of pollinator species.

Common questions

When does Clarkia unguiculata bloom?: Clarkia unguiculata blooms from April through July, producing clusters of distinctive four-petaled flowers.
What pollinators does Clarkia unguiculata attract?: This California native attracts bees and butterflies with its nectar-rich flowers during the spring and early summer blooming period.
Where is Clarkia unguiculata native?: Clarkia unguiculata is native to California, where it grows naturally in grasslands, oak woodlands, and chaparral communities.
Is Clarkia toxic to dogs?: Clarkia is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
Is Clarkia toxic to cats?: Clarkia is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
Is Clarkia HOA-friendly?: Clarkia is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Clarkia? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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