Elegant Fairyfan, Elegant clarkia
Clarkia unguiculata

Family: Onagraceae

What it is like

Clarkia unguiculata is a ANNUAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). It is not frost tender. It is in flower from June to October, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Height (m): 0.6

Where it is found

Dry slopes in the chaparral.

South-western N. America - California.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Seed - raw or cooked. It can be ground into a powder and eaten dry. The seed is very small and fiddly to harvest.

Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating: 1

Green and gold dyes are obtained from the flowers.

Dye: Plants that provide dyes.

Attracts Wildlife: Plants noted for attracting wildlife

How it is grown

Succeeds in a sunny position in any good garden soil. If the soil is too rich the plants will produce lots of vegetative growth at the expense of flowers. Resents hot, humid continental summers. A polymorphic species. A very ornamental plant. The flowers are very attractive to bees.

Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in situ. The seed usually germinates in 2 weeks. Seed can also be sown in situ during the autumn in mild winter areas. Thinnings can be transplanted.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Annual

Hardiness: 0-0

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

C. elegans. Dougl.