Owl's clover

Castilleja exserta ssp. exserta

Formerly Orthocarpus purpurascens. Drought tolerant, native annual root-parasite with bright rose-purple bract flowers, blooming March to June. Occurs on many soil types in large masses along hillsides and in pastures; up to 5,000 ft. elevation. May form a stunning carpet across the desert floor in wet years. Attracts hummingbirds.