Clarkia pulchella aka Pinkfairies

Clarkia pulchella is a wildflower known as pinkfairies. It is an annual, so it lives for one year. It belongs to Onagraceae, the evening primrose family. Its native range runs from southwestern Canada to South Dakota. Records place it in southern British Columbia and Washington. They also list Oregon, Idaho, and western Montana. It grows in northwestern Wyoming and South Dakota too. It is not native to Britain or Ireland. It grows in the temperate parts of North America.

Plants reach about 1.6 feet [0.5 metres] in height. Wild plants grow on ground that is fairly dry. They often grow in soil that something has disturbed. They grow in valleys, foothills, and up in the mountains. They reach heights of 5,900 feet [1,800 metres] above sea level. The species varies in form, but the sources give few details. Its one-year life suits garden beds planted for a season.

Plants For A Future gives June to October as the bloom season. Each flower has both male and female organs. Bees visit the blooms and pollinate them. The flowers help make the plant useful in wildlife gardens. Seeds ripen from August to October, while flowers still bloom. The flowers also yield green and gold dyes. These uses add to its worth beyond its garden display.

Grow pinkfairies in sun, in soil that drains well. It does not grow in shade. It can grow in sand, loam, or clay soils. It accepts mildly acid soil and neutral soil. Mildly alkaline soil suits it too. Soil may be dry or moist, but must drain well. Rich soil can lead to more leaves than flowers. Hot, humid summers in continental climates do not suit it. Plants For A Future says it can stand frost. The supplied evidence gives no numbered hardiness zone.

Sow seed straight in the ground in spring. Where winters are mild, you can also sow in autumn. Seeds tend to sprout in about two weeks. When you thin out seedlings, you can move them elsewhere. The seeds are edible when ground and eaten dry. They are small, so they take time to collect. Plants For A Future gives them a low food-use rating. It lists no known use as medicine and no known hazards. This does not mean the plant is safe for every pet. The source does not flag the species as weedy.