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Harlequin Calicoflower

Downingia insignis

Last reviewed: August 2026

Harlequin Calicoflower (Downingia insignis)
Photo: (c) Gabriel Campbell-Martinez, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Gabriel Campbell-Martinez

Toxicity unknown

Harlequin Calicoflower (Downingia insignis) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

2"–12" H × 2"–6" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

CA, ID, NV, OR

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Central California Foothills and Coastal MountainsCentral California ValleyNorthwestern Forested MountainsNorth American Deserts

Downingia insignis is a small annual wildflower that produces delicate blue and white blooms from late spring through summer. This compact native plant forms low patches and thrives in sunny locations with minimal water once established.

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In an HOA neighborhood

Harlequin Calicoflower takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

  • Very small stature may appear sparse or weedy
  • Annual nature means seasonal gaps in coverage
  • Wild appearance doesn't fit formal landscaping expectations

Wildlife value

The colorful flowers attract native bees and butterflies during its extended blooming period from May through August.

Common questions

How much sun does Harlequin Calicoflower need?
Harlequin Calicoflower grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Harlequin Calicoflower bloom?
Harlequin Calicoflower blooms in May, June, July, and August.
Where is Harlequin Calicoflower native?
Harlequin Calicoflower (Downingia insignis) is native to CA, ID, NV, OR, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Harlequin Calicoflower attract?
Harlequin Calicoflower draws bees and butterflies.
Is Harlequin Calicoflower HOA-friendly?
Harlequin Calicoflower takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

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.

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