Putting the Pieces Together: Understanding & Protecting Jolon Clarkia

Heather Schneider, Santa Barbara Botanic Garden

Jolon Clarkia (Clarkia jolonensis) is an annual wildflower that is endemic to Monterey County, CA. In 2016, the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden initiated a multi-year endeavor to help understand, protect and restore Jolon Clarkia. Field surveys of all documented occurrences revealed that the plant is rarer than previously known and that some populations may be declining. Seeds have been collected for long-term conservation and greenhouse studies are being used to understand the plant’s biology. Next steps include ongoing monitoring, genetics research and developing a conservation plan for this extremely rare and imperiled plant.