Castilleja exserta ~ Purple Owl's Clover (Orthocarpus purpurascens)

Castilleja exserta is found often in Spring wildflower displays in grass and brushlands from the throughout the state up to an elevation of 5000 feet.; Purple Owl's Clover is often included in wildflower seed packets but I have found it rarely persists if it comes up at all. Then I go and look at the potted plants at Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden and there it is mixed in with a pot full of wildflowers, purple flowers in full display. Dry summer conditions are critical, as is a Fall scattering of the seeds. Castilleja exserta is a food source for the Checkerspot Butterflies and if it grows it will be a great addition to the butterfly garden. Castilleja exserta was formerly classified as Orthorcarpus purpurascens.