Browneyes
ExplorePlants
Browneyes
chylismia claviformis
Browneyes (Chylismia claviformis) is a hardy desert wildflower belonging to the evening primrose family. Native to the arid regions of western North America, this winter annual emerges rapidly in response to seasonal rainfall, transforming dry desert washes into vibrant displays of life. The species is highly valued by ecologists for its role as an early-season food source for specialized native bees and other desert pollinators. Its common name, 'Browneyes', comes from the distinctive dark, brownish-purple center of its delicate blossoms, which contrasts beautifully with its white or pale yellow petals.
Habitat: Found in sandy desert washes, gravelly flats, and rocky slopes of the Mojave, Sonoran, and Great Basin deserts.
Appearance
Browneyes is a low-growing annual herb that typically reaches heights of 10 to 60 centimeters. It features a basal rosette of pinnately lobed, purplish-green leaves that hug the ground. From this rosette, one or more reddish, upright stems arise, capped by nodding clusters of small, four-petaled flowers. The blossoms, which measure about 1.5 centimeters across, are usually creamy white or bright yellow, each highlighted by a deep, dark brown or maroon center and a prominent, club-shaped green stigma.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderMyrtalesFamilyOnagraceaeGenusChylismia
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Browneyes can carpet desert landscapes in yellow and white during a 'superbloom' event following unusually wet winters.
Despite being in the evening primrose family, Browneyes flowers often open in the late afternoon and remain open into the night.
The plant's scientific species name, claviformis, means 'club-shaped', referring to the distinct shape of its seed pods and pistil.
Special abilities
Ability
Desert Ephemeral Growth
Exhibits a rapid life cycle, germinating, flowering, and setting seed within a few weeks of winter rainfall to avoid the extreme heat of summer.
Ability
UV Nectar Guides
The dark brown floral centers contrast sharply with the petals under ultraviolet light, acting as a beacon to guide twilight-active pollinators.
Ability
Moisture-Directing Rosette
The flat, basal rosette of leaves acts as a funnel, capturing scarce condensation and directing it straight down to the deep taproot.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 10-60 cm
- Lifespan
- 1 years
Diet & Feeding
As a photosynthetic plant, Browneyes produces its own food by converting sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water into energy-rich sugars.
Primary Foods
- Sunlight
- Carbon dioxide
- Water
- Soil nutrients
Ecological connections
mutualism
Rozen's Miner Bee
Andrena rozeni
Provides critical nectar and pollen to specialized, twilight-active miner bees.
eaten by
Desert Tortoise
Gopherus agassizii
The foliage is consumed by foraging desert tortoises looking for moisture and nutrients in early spring.
eaten by
White-lined Sphinx Moth
Hyles lineata
Caterpillars feed heavily on the leaves of various evening primrose species, including Browneyes.
Traits
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Also known as
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Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify Browneyes?
The easiest way to identify Browneyes is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How long is Browneyes?
10-60 cm
How long does Browneyes live?
1 years
What does Browneyes eat?
As a photosynthetic plant, Browneyes produces its own food by converting sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water into energy-rich sugars.
Where is Browneyes usually found?
Found in sandy desert washes, gravelly flats, and rocky slopes of the Mojave, Sonoran, and Great Basin deserts.
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