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cushion cryptantha

Scientific Name: Cryptantha circumscissa var. hispida

Family: Boraginaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Annual

Other Names:

       

Cryptantha circumscissa: Cushion Cryptantha

Cryptantha circumscissa, commonly known as cushion cryptantha, is a small, mat-forming annual plant belonging to the borage family.

Considerations for Pets and Children

  • This plant is described as "prickly."
  • The plant is noted as having stiff hairs covering the herbage.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Cryptantha circumscissa (Hook. & Arn.) I.M. Johnston
  • Family: Boraginaceae (Borage Family)
  • Common Names: Cushion Cryptantha, Cushion Catseye, Matted Cryptantha, Western Forget-me-not
  • Synonym: Greeneocharis circumscissa
  • Taxonomic Rank: Species; also varieties such as Cryptantha circumscissa var. circumscissa and Cryptantha circumscissa var. rosulata, and Cryptantha circumscissa var. genuina

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to western North America, including California and Nevada.
  • Found in sandy areas, such as on the east bank of the Columbia River.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Annual forb/herb with a cushion-forming growth habit.
  • Dwarf annual, typically 1-6 cm high.
  • Leaves are narrowly linear, 5-13 mm long, and densely hairy.
  • Forms a mat, wider than tall, often rounded to cushion-like.
  • Taproot can be red or colored.
  • Produces small, inconspicuous white flowers with dimorphic corolla tubes (relatively broad or narrow).
  • The tubular calyx is persistent and envelopes the fruits.

Quirky Facts

  • The small size and inconspicuous white flowers often cause this plant to be overlooked.

Additional Information

  • Bloom period is typically from March to August.
  • Elevation range is between 150-3650 meters.
  • It is considered a native plant in California.

Further Resources

  • iNaturalist.org
  • International Plant Names Index
  • Encyclopedia of Life
  • CalPhotos