| Downingia yina | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Asterids |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Campanulaceae |
| Genus: | Downingia |
| Species: | D. yina |
| Binomial name | |
| Downingia yina Applegate |
|
Downingia yina is a distinctive, colorful wildflower known by the common name cascade calicoflower. It bears small, easily recognizable flowers up to 1 centimeter in width. Each flower has three fused lower petals which are blue or violet with a central spot which is white with a yellow center. This pattern is attractive to pollinating insects and helps them navigate to the flower's center. The two upper blue petals may fold together to face each other, or stick straight out.
This flower grows in moist habitats including vernal pools. It can be found in the Pacific Northwest from Washington to northern California.