How much sun does Clarkia unguiculata need?

It grows best in full sun but also tolerates part sun or light afternoon shade, especially in hot inland gardens.

How much water does Clarkia unguiculata need?

It does well with low water once established, needing only occasional watering during dry spring weather.

When does Clarkia unguiculata bloom?

It typically flowers from April through July, with a strong show of color in late spring in California grasslands and open woodlands.

What pollinators visit Clarkia unguiculata?

Bees and butterflies regularly visit the flowers for nectar and pollen.

What kind of plant is Clarkia unguiculata?

It is an upright annual forb, completing its life cycle in a single growing season rather than persisting as a shrub or perennial.

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: August 2026

Clarkia unguiculata is an upright annual wildflower that blooms from April through July, thriving in full sun with low water once established. It attracts bees and butterflies in California grasslands and gardens.

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

Before you buy

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Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Central California Valley Southern California Mountains Northwestern Forested Mountains Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

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

How much sun does Clarkia unguiculata need?: It grows best in full sun but also tolerates part sun or light afternoon shade, especially in hot inland gardens.
How much water does Clarkia unguiculata need?: It does well with low water once established, needing only occasional watering during dry spring weather.
When does Clarkia unguiculata bloom?: It typically flowers from April through July, with a strong show of color in late spring in California grasslands and open woodlands.
What pollinators visit Clarkia unguiculata?: Bees and butterflies regularly visit the flowers for nectar and pollen.
What kind of plant is Clarkia unguiculata?: It is an upright annual forb, completing its life cycle in a single growing season rather than persisting as a shrub or perennial.
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.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

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