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wingnut cryptantha

Scientific Name: Cryptantha pterocarya var. cycloptera

Family: Boraginaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Annual

Other Names:

       

Cryptantha pterocarya

Cryptantha pterocarya is a species of flowering plant belonging to the borage family, Boraginaceae. Its common name is wingnut cryptantha.

Considerations for Pets

  • The text describes the fruit of this plant as having "toothed wing[s]." This characteristic might pose a minor physical hazard if ingested or if the plant comes into contact with skin.
  • The plant has rough hairs on its stem. These rough hairs could cause minor skin irritation if handled.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Cryptantha pterocarya (Torr.) Greene
  • Family: Boraginaceae (Borage Family)
  • Synonyms:
    • Cryptantha pterocarya var. pterocarya
    • Cryptantha pterocarya var. purpusii Jeps.
  • Subordinate Taxa:
    • Cryptantha pterocarya var. cycloptera (Greene) J. F. Macbr. (Tuscon cryptantha)
    • Cryptantha pterocarya var. stenoloba I.M. Johnst.
  • Alternative Scientific Names:
    • Cryptantha pterocarya (Torr.) Greene var. cycloptera

Distribution and Habitat

  • Cryptantha pterocarya is native to the western United States and Mexico.
  • It can be found in southwestern United States, including Arizona (Maricopa County), Washington (Klickitat County in the southern Goodnoe Hills), and California (Anza-Borrego region, San Bernardino County's Piute Mountains near Fenner Spring).
  • It grows in sandy soils, such as those along old highways and on sand dunes.
  • It has been observed at elevations of around 250 meters (825 feet) in the Eldorado Mountains.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Cryptantha pterocarya is an annual herb.
  • It grows to a height of 10-40 (sometimes 50) cm.
  • The stem is generally branched throughout.
  • Branches are few, strigose and rough-hairy, with hairs generally ascending.
  • Leaves are 0.5-5 cm long, simple, short, narrow, linear to oblong, opposite at the base or alternate.
  • The plant is erect, with some upright branches.
  • Flowers are white.

Additional Common Names

  • Wingnut Cat's-eye
  • Winged Pick-me-not
  • Winged-Nut Forget-me-not

Ecological Role

  • Cryptantha species are often found in desert washes.

Quirky Facts

  • Cryptantha, including the wingnut cryptantha, are sometimes called Forget-Me-Nots.
  • Cryptantha are frequently stepped on.
  • During the summer, the plant assumes a purplish-red color.

Further Information

  • ITIS (Integrated Taxonomic Information System): TSN 31856
  • CalPhotos
  • Wikimedia Commons
  • Discover Life
  • Encyclopedia of Life