Presidio Clarkia

(Clarkia franciscana)

 

Presidio Clarkia populations are stable to slightly increasing at Inspiration Point.

Will Elder, NPS

 

Origin Of Genus Name: Clarkia is named after Captain William Clark, co-leader and botanist of the Lewis and Clark party.

Presidio Locations: Found on serpentine bluffs and serpentine grasslands in open sunlit areas.

Range In State: Grows only in the Presidio and in the East Bay hills.The Presidio is the type locality for this species.

Description: This rare and endangered, native annual species has leaves that are widest at the base and taper off into a narrow tip. The petals of the flowers are wedge shaped with lavender to pink shading. The middle of the flower is white and the base is bright reddish-purple. Blooms May to July.

Native Californian Uses: Parched, pulverized seeds of Clarkia species were known to be used for food by the Miwok.

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