Pinkfairies

Clarkia pulchella

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Onagraceae
Genus:
Clarkia
Species:
Clarkia pulchella

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Annual
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb
Height:
1-2 ft
Light Requirements:
Part Shade
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
apr
Bloom Colors:
Purple

Native Range

United States: Connecticut, Idaho, Massachusetts, Montana, Ohio, Oregon, South Dakota, Vermont, Washington, Wyoming, Canada: British Columbia

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Clark's sphinx moth (Proserpinus clarkiae)

Reported Fauna Sightings

Bees: Brown-belted bumble bee (Bombus griseocollis), Brown-belted bumble bee (Bombus griseocollis), Red-belted bumble bee (Bombus rufocinctus), Red-belted bumble bee (Bombus rufocinctus)

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
pH:
6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
prefers open, sunny habitats

Germination Information

Pre-treatment: None required. However, seed lots have been observed to germinate at higher rates after storage in cold, dry conditions.

Establishment: Wild seeds are collected when the capsules begin to split. Plants in seed increase plantings are cut and dried in paper bags at room temperature. The plant flowers and matures seed indeterminately, thus a judgement must be made as to when to cut the plants to maximize seed production. Seeds are small and dark brown in color. General Distribution: Northwestern US east to South Dakota. Usually found on south slopes in dry, open grassland and open Ponderosa pine forest.

Source: npn.rngr.net