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Red Spot Clarkia

Clarkia speciosa

Last reviewed: August 2026

Red Spot Clarkia (Clarkia speciosa)
Photo: (c) Ken-ichi Ueda, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Ken-ichi Ueda

Red Spot Clarkia (Clarkia speciosa) is not flagged as toxic to dogs or cats by Plants For A Future (PFAF) (opens in new tab) (last reviewed 2026-05-21). This verdict does not come from the ASPCA. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

12"–24" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

CA

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

Before you buy

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Sierra NevadaCentral California Foothills and Coastal MountainsCentral California ValleySouthern California Mountains

Clarkia speciosa, known as farewell-to-spring, produces showy cup-shaped flowers in shades of pink, lavender, and white during late spring to early summer. This native annual grows in an upright form with slender stems and narrow leaves, creating a cheerful seasonal display in sunny gardens.

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In an HOA neighborhood

Red Spot 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.

  • Can look untidy after blooming
  • May self-seed and appear less structured
  • Best when planted in groups or containers for more formal appearance

Wildlife value

Attracts a variety of native bees and butterflies as a valuable nectar source during its bloom period. Small birds may also eat the seeds after flowering.

Common questions

How much sun does Red Spot Clarkia need?
Red Spot Clarkia grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Red Spot Clarkia bloom?
Red Spot Clarkia blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Red Spot Clarkia native?
Red Spot Clarkia (Clarkia speciosa) is native to CA, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
Is Red Spot Clarkia toxic to dogs?
Red Spot Clarkia is not flagged as toxic to dogs by Plants For A Future (PFAF). This verdict does not come from the ASPCA.
Is Red Spot Clarkia toxic to cats?
Red Spot Clarkia is not flagged as toxic to cats by Plants For A Future (PFAF). This verdict does not come from the ASPCA.
What pollinators does Red Spot Clarkia attract?
Red Spot Clarkia draws bees and butterflies.
Is Red Spot Clarkia HOA-friendly?
Red Spot Clarkia is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.

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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