SafePlants

Cryptantha pterocarya

Cryptantha pterocarya is a flowering plant belonging to the borage family (Boraginaceae). It is commonly known as wingnut cryptantha.

Considerations for Pets

• This plant has rough hairs on its stems.
• The fruit of this plant has nutlets which have a toothed wing.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Cryptantha pterocarya (Torr.) Greene
• Family: Boraginaceae (Borage Family)
• Synonyms:
  • Cryptantha pterocarya var. pterocarya
  • Cryptantha pterocarya var. purpusii Jeps.
• Varieties:
  • Cryptantha pterocarya var. cycloptera (Greene) J. F. Macbr. (Tuscon cryptantha)
  • Cryptantha pterocarya var. stenoloba I.M. Johnst.
• Alternative Common Names: Winged pick-me-not, wingnut catseye, Wing-nut Cat's-eye, Winged-Nut Forget-me-not

Distribution and Habitat

• Cryptantha pterocarya is native to the western United States and Mexico.
• It has been observed in locations such as:
  • Maricopa County, Arizona
  • Southern Goodnoe Hills of south-central Klickitat County, Washington
  • Eldorado Mountains
  • Bandelier National Monument
  • Desert washes, vicinity of Fenner Spring Piute Mountains, San Bernardino
• It is often found on sandy soils.

Morphological Characteristics

• Cryptantha pterocarya is an annual herb.
• The plant is erect, sometimes with upright branches, reaching a height of 10-50 cm.
• Stems are generally branched and have rough hairs pointing upwards (strigose and rough-hairy).
• Leaves are short, narrow, linear to oblong, and 0.5-5 cm in length. They are opposite at the base, or alternate.

Quirky Facts

• Cryptanthas, also known as Forget-Me-Nots, are frequently stepped on.
• Wingnut cryptantha isn't an evergreen; during the summer it assumes a purplish-red color.