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coastal cryptantha

Scientific Name: Cryptantha leiocarpa

Family: Boraginaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Annual

Other Names:

       

Coastal Cryptantha and Related Species

This page provides information about plants in the Cryptantha genus, specifically focusing on Cryptantha leiocarpa (Coastal Cryptantha) and Cryptantha clevelandii (Cleveland's Cryptantha).

Considerations for Pets and Children

  • Species of Cryptantha are sometimes called "popcorn flowers," which could be appealing to children or pets.

Scientific Names and Common Names

  • Cryptantha leiocarpa: Commonly known as Coastal Cryptantha, Coast Cryptantha, or Popcorn Flower.
  • Cryptantha clevelandii: Commonly known as Cleveland's Cryptantha.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Genus: Cryptantha
  • Family: Boraginaceae (Borage Family)
  • Cryptantha barbigera var. fergusoniae is synonymous with C. barbigera.
  • Synonyms/Variations:
    • Cryptantha clevelandii Greene var. florosa I.M. Johnst. is a variety of Cryptantha clevelandii.
    • Miner's candle, Oreocarya virgata, was formerly Cryptantha virgata.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Cryptantha leiocarpa is native to the coastline of Oregon and California. It is found only slightly outside of California.
  • Cryptantha clevelandii is native to coastal California.
  • Habitats include slopes and rocky places (up to 2500'), coastal sage scrub, coastal strand, and chaparral.
  • They can be found in coastal prairies and vernal pools.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Both Cryptantha leiocarpa and Cryptantha clevelandii var. florosa are dicot annual herbs.
  • Cryptantha flowers are generally small.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • They are sometimes referred to as white "forget-me-nots."

Further Information

  • Discover Life has pages dedicated to the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Cryptantha leiocarpa.
  • Garden Guides provides facts on plants commonly known as Cryptantha.