Owl's Clover
Castilla exserta(also known as Orthocarpus purpurascens in older references)
Height: Usually 4 to 18 inches tall
Habitat: Open grassy areas, slopes, and desert flats with well-drained soils
Elevation: Found from sea level up to about 4,500 feet
Range: Western United States, especially California, Arizona, and parts of Nevada, Utah, and northern Mexico
Description:
Owl’s Clover is a colorful spring wildflower with dense spikes of bright magenta to purple flowers surrounded by bracts that give it a paintbrush-like look. The plant is partially parasitic, meaning it taps into the roots of nearby plants to help gather nutrients. It’s often found blooming alongside poppies and other annuals during desert superblooms.
Uses:
Ecological: Supports native pollinators, especially bees and butterflies. As a hemiparasite, it also plays a role in shaping plant communities.
Cultural: Admired for its beauty in wildflower displays, though not commonly used for food or medicine.
Note:
Despite the name, it has nothing to do with owls—though the flower heads do have a soft, feathery look. Owl’s Clover is a springtime favorite and a key player in desert bloom displays.
Found in Western Mojave Desert between 2,000 and 3,000 ft. Grasslands, creosote bush scrub and Joshua tree woodland.
Grows often with gilia and other annuals. Grows in great profusion in wet years.
Flowers in March to May
Desert Habitat:
Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve