''Downingia cuspidata'' is a species of flowering plant in the
bellflower family known by the common name toothed calicoflower. This showy wildflower is native to
California
California is a U.S. state, state in the Western United States, located along the West Coast of the United States, Pacific Coast. With nearly 39.2million residents across a total area of approximately , it is the List of states and territori ...
, where it is a resident of ponds, meadows, and
vernal pool ecosystems throughout the state. Its range may extend into Mexico.
This annual grows on a branching erect stem with small leaves at intervals. At the top of each stem branch is one or more flowers, each about a centimeter wide. The tubular flower has two long, narrow, pointed upper lobes which may be blue or purple to nearly white. The lower lip is fused into one three-lobed surface, which is blue, purple, or white with a large blotch or two smaller blotches of yellow in the center, outlined in white. Each lobe may have a toothlike point.
External links
Jepson Manual TreatmentUSDA Plants ProfilePhoto gallery
cuspidata
Flora of California
Flora without expected TNC conservation status
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