SafePlants

Cryptantha: A Closer Look

Cryptantha is a genus of flowering plants belonging to the borage family, Boraginaceae.

Considerations for Pets

• Several species within the Cryptantha genus, such as Cryptantha muricata and Cryptantha echinella, are commonly referred to as "prickly cryptantha" or have "prickly" in their common name. This suggests the potential presence of spines or other sharp features.
• The common name "Prickly Popcorn Flower" for Cryptantha muricata hints at the plant producing small parts (flowers or seeds) that could be ingested by pets.

Considerations for Children

• Similar to the concerns for pets, the "prickly" nature of some Cryptantha species could pose a physical hazard to children.
• Small parts could be a choking hazard for young children.

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

• Scientific Name: Cryptantha
• Family: Boraginaceae (Borage Family)
• Species (Examples): Cryptantha muricata, Cryptantha echinella, Cryptantha intermedia, Cryptantha fendleri, Cryptantha maritima, Cryptantha micrantha, Cryptantha clokeyi, Cryptantha barbigera, Cryptantha cinerea, Cryptantha circumscissa, Cryptantha simulans, Cryptantha dumetorum, Cryptantha clevelandii
• Synonyms/Variations: Cryptantha muricata var. muricata, Cryptantha muricata var. denticulata, Cryptantha muricata var. jonesii, Cryptantha cinerea var. abortiva, Cryptantha clevelandii var. clevelandii
• Alternative Scientific Name: Cryptantha muricata (Hook. &amp Arn.) Nelson &amp J.F. Macbr.

Common Names

• Prickly Cryptantha
• Pointed Cryptantha
• Prickly Popcorn Flower
• Prickly Cat's-eye
• Hedgehog Cryptantha
• Pointed Catseye
• Showy Prickly-nut Cryptantha
• Nievitas Cryptantha (Cryptantha intermedia)
• White-Hair Cryptantha (Cryptantha maritima)
• Purple-Root Cryptantha (Cryptantha micrantha)
• Dune Cryptanth (Cryptantha fendleri)
• Flaccid Cryptantha, Weak-stem Cryptantha (Cryptantha fendleri)
• James' Cryptantha (Cryptantha cinerea abortiva)
• Brownnut Cryptantha (Cryptantha cinerea var. abortiva)
• Capped Cryptantha (Cryptantha circumscissa)

Distribution and Habitat

• Cryptantha muricata is native to California.
• It is also found in Santa Teresa County Park.
• The Sierra Nevada, California is a known location for Cryptantha species.

Morphological Characteristics

• Cryptantha muricata is described as an annual herb.
• Some species, like the "prickly cryptantha," can develop a bare stem and thick crown, resembling a small tree.
• Cryptantha muricata can grow under 1 foot in height.
• The inflorescence size of Cryptantha muricata is 1-5 inches.
• The flowers of Cryptantha muricata are minute.

Quirky Facts

• Some varieties have leaves that are longer, with leaf shape used as a key characteristic for identification.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Cryptantha clokeyi has been observed growing alongside Atriplex polycarpa, Encelia actoni, Ambrosia dumosa, Salazaria mexicana, and Achnatherum speciosum.

Further Resources

• Dave's Garden is mentioned as a community resource for gardeners to share tips and ideas.
• Discover Life provides information about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Cryptantha echinella.
• GBIF (Global Biodiversity Information Facility) is suggested as a resource for information on Cryptantha muricata.
• Native Plant Network profiles are available for Cryptantha muricata.