Downingia

Downingia
Downingia concolor
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
(unranked):	Angiosperms
(unranked):	Eudicots
(unranked):	Asterids
Order:	Asterales
Family:	Campanulaceae
Genus:	Downingia Torr.
Species
13: see text

Downingia is a genus of 13 annual plants native to western North America and Chile. Commonly known as "calicoflowers", they are notable for forming mass displays of small but colorful blooms around vernal pools. A number are uncommon endemics in California.

The stems may be decumbent or erect, 10-40 cm in length, with narrow cauline leaves that may drop off before the flower develops. The flowers are typically inverted by the twisting of the ovary during blooming. Colors range from blue and pink to white, with the lower (larger) lip including a white or yellow patch. The lower lip generally consists of three lobes, while the upper lip is much smaller and has two lobes.

The genus is named after American horticulturalist A. J. Downing (1815-1852).

Species:

• Downingia bacigalupii
• Downingia bella
• Downingia bicornuta
• Downingia concolor
• Downingia cuspidata
• Downingia elegans
• Downingia insignis
• Downingia laeta
• Downingia montana
• Downingia ornatissima
• Downingia pulchella
• Downingia pusilla
• Downingia yina

External links

• Jepson Manual Treatment
• USDA Plants Profile