Clarkia unguiculata

Lindl.

Elegant fairyfan

Onagraceae Edible: Seeds 12,014 iNaturalist observations

iNaturalist· cc-by

iNaturalist· cc-by-nc-sa

iNaturalist· cc-by-nc

Summary

Source: Wikipedia

Clarkia unguiculata is a species of wildflower known by the common name elegant clarkia or mountain garland.

Description

An annual plant. It grows 30-90 cm high and 15-20 cm wide. The flowers are spidery on slender red stems. These are in the axils of the upper leaves. Colours can be red, pink or blue.

Edible Uses

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

Medicinal Uses

None known

Distribution

It needs full sun and fertile, free-draining soil. The soil should be slightly acid. It is frost hardy. It suits hardiness zones 7-10.

Where It Grows

Australia, North America, USA,

Cultivation

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.

Propagation

Sow seed in situ in spring; germination usually occurs within 2 weeks. Seed can also be sown in situ during autumn in areas with mild winters. Thinnings can be transplanted.

Other Uses

Green and gold dyes can be obtained from the flowers.

Notes

There are about 33-36 Clarkia species.

Synonyms

Clarkia elegans

References (5)

Anderson, M. K., 2012, Edible Seeds and Grains of California Tribes and the Klamath Tribe of Oregon in the Phoebe Apperson Hearst Museum of Anthropology Collections, University of California, Berkeley. USDA p 25
Cundall, P., (ed.), 2004, Gardening Australia: flora: the gardener's bible. ABC Books. p 385
Edward's Bot. Reg. 23: t. 1981. 1837
Joyce, D., 1998, The Garden Plant Selector. Ryland, Peters and Small. p 315
Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/