A Woodland yard filled mostly with Woodland Fairyfan (Clarkia unguiculata) turns heads and stops traffic when it reaches peak bloom in May.Fairyfans are members of the genus Clarkia in the evening-primrose tribe (Onagreae) of the evening-primrose subfamily (Onagroideae) of the evening-primrose family (Onagraceae). The genus Clarkia contains over 40 species of typically, pinkish or purplish annual wildflowers.

Other members of the evening-primrose tribe include suncups and evening-primroses. Other members of the evening-primrose subfamily include willow herbs. Other members of the evening-primrose family include water-primroses.

Native Plants

Three species of Clarkia are native to Woodland, and three more are native to other parts of Yolo County.

Native to Woodland

Purple Fairyfan (Clarkia purpurea) blooms in a garden in Woodland.

Chaparral Fairyfan (Clarkia affinis) is an eighteen-inch-tall annual that is native to the southeastern half of Woodland, all of Davis, most of West Sacramento, most of the area between those three cities, and from Woodland west to Monument Hills, plus the Yolo County foothills, including the Capay Hills, and the eastern slopes of the Dunnigan Hills. It grows only in dry areas. Its flowers are usually "perfect" (containing both male and female parts). Chaparral Fairyfan is ranked 2 out of 10 on the Ogren Plant Allergy Scale, indicating that it is a safe choice for hay fever sufferers.

Graceful Fairyfan (Clarkia gracilis) is a two- to three-foot-tall annual that is native to all of Woodland, all of Davis, the northern half of West Sacramento, and most of Yolo County in general except for the rain shadows just east of the Yolo County foothills and the Capay Hills. It prefers full sun and grows only in dry areas. Its flowers are usually "perfect" (containing both male and female parts). Graceful Fairyfan is ranked 2 out of 10 on the Ogren Plant Allergy Scale, indicating that it is a safe choice for hay fever sufferers.

Purple Fairyfan (Clarkia purpurea) is a two- to three-foot-tall annual that is native to all of Woodland, all of Davis, all of West Sacramento, and virtually all of Yolo County except for some of the Capay Valley. It prefers full sun and grows only in dry areas. Its flowers are usually "perfect" (containing both male and female parts). Purple Fairyfan is ranked 2 out of 10 on the Ogren Plant Allergy Scale, indicating that it is a safe choice for hay fever sufferers.

Native to Yolo County

Woodland Fairyfan (Clarkia unguiculata) has hot pink flowers, reddish stems, and sometimes a few reddish leaves.Red Ribbons (Clarkia concinna) is a sixteen-inch-tall annual that is native to the Yolo County foothills, including the Capay Hills. It prefers full sun or partial shade and fast drainage. It grows only in dry areas. Its flowers are usually "perfect" (containing both male and female parts). Red Ribbons is ranked 2 out of 10 on the Ogren Plant Allergy Scale, indicating that it is a safe choice for hay fever sufferers.

Diamond Fairyfan (Clarkia rhomboidea) is a two- to three-foot-tall annual that is native to the Yolo County foothills, including the Capay Hills. It grows only in dry areas. Its flowers are usually "perfect" (containing both male and female parts). Diamond Fairyfan is ranked 2 out of 10 on the Ogren Plant Allergy Scale, indicating that it is a safe choice for hay fever sufferers.

Woodland Fairyfan (Clarkia unguiculata), also called Elegant Godetia, is a two- to three-foot-tall annual that is native to the Yolo County foothills, including the Capay Hills. It prefers full sun or partial shade. It grows only in dry areas. Its flowers are usually "perfect" (containing both male and female parts). Woodland Fairyfan is ranked 2 out of 10 on the Ogren Plant Allergy Scale, indicating that it is a safe choice for hay fever sufferers.