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Description
Clarkia Franciscana, commonly known as the San Francisco clarkia, is a beautiful wildflower that is native to San Francisco, California. This rare plant species is a biennial or short-lived perennial that belongs to the Onagraceae family. It can grow up to 60 centimeters tall and 30 centimeters wide. The flowers of the Clarkia Franciscana are showy, and bloom in shades of pink to deep rose. They have four petals and are up to 5 centimeters wide.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Myrtales |
| Family | Onagraceae |
| Genus | Clarkia |
Appearance
The Clarkia Franciscana has a slender stem that is covered in glandular hairs. The leaves are lance-shaped and grow up to 10 centimeters long. The flowers bloom in late spring to early summer and have a cup-shaped structure. They have four petals that are deeply lobed and are arranged in a whorl around the stem. The Clarkia Franciscana is an attractive plant that can add color to any garden or landscape.
Care Guide
The Clarkia Franciscana is a hardy plant that requires minimal care. It prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. It can tolerate partial shade but prefers full sun. Water the plant regularly but avoid overwatering. Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. The Clarkia Franciscana is hardy in USDA zones 8 to 10.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Clarkia Franciscana is susceptible to aphids and spider mites. It can also be affected by powdery mildew and rust. To control aphids and spider mites, spray the plant with a solution of water and insecticidal soap. To control powdery mildew and rust, remove infected leaves and spray the plant with a fungicide.
Habitat
The Clarkia Franciscana is native to San Francisco, California. It grows in sandy soils in coastal prairies and grasslands. It can also be found in disturbed areas and along roadsides.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Clarkia Franciscana a rare plant?
A: Yes, the Clarkia Franciscana is a rare plant species that is only found in San Francisco, California.
Q: What is the best time to plant Clarkia Franciscana?
A: The best time to plant Clarkia Franciscana is in the fall, after the first rains.
Q: How often should I water Clarkia Franciscana?
A: Water Clarkia Franciscana regularly, but avoid overwatering. The plant prefers well-draining soil.
Q: Does Clarkia Franciscana attract pollinators?
A: Yes, the showy flowers of the Clarkia Franciscana attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Related Plants
- Clarkia amoena
- Clarkia biloba
- Clarkia breweri
- Clarkia concinna
- Clarkia dudleyana
References
- Calflora: Information on California plants for education, research and conservation. [web application]. 2021. Berkeley, California: The Calflora Database [a non-profit organization]. Available: https://www.calflora.org/ (Accessed: 22 Sep 2021)
- United States Department of Agriculture. (n.d.). Plants Profile for Clarkia franciscana. Retrieved September 22, 2021, from https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=CLFR2
- Taxonomy browser (Clarkia franciscana). (n.d.). Retrieved September 22, 2021, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/Taxonomy/Browser/wwwtax.cgi?id=191554
