Camissoniopsis cheiranthifolia subsp. suffruticosa
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Family: Onagraceae · Type: Herb · Native
Camissoniopsis cheiranthifolia subsp. suffruticosa is a native California herb in the Onagraceae family, recognized by subshrub habit, dense silvery hairs, and large flowers.
Beach sun cup is a California native shrub found in southern coastal regions on sandy slopes, flats, and coastal dunes at elevations below 100 meters. Flowering from April to August, this plant produces yellow flowers with pale basal spots, reaching 12 to 20 millimeters in diameter. Growing with dense silvery hairs, the subshrub forms compact clusters with erect or spreading stems. Its leaves are covered in soft, silvery indumentum, giving the plant a distinctive grayish-green appearance. The plant produces delicate flowers with anthers approximately 2.2 to 3 millimeters long and a style extending 13 to 23 millimeters.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 8 sympatric species; distinguished by subshrub habit, dense silvery hairs, and large flowers
Habitat and range
Habitat: Sandy slopes, flats, coastal dunes
Elevation: < 100 m
California counties: Ventura, San Diego, Mendocino, Los Angeles, Orange, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Monterey
Outside California: northern Baja California
Bloom period
Camissoniopsis cheiranthifolia subsp. suffruticosa blooms Apr-Aug.
How to tell it apart
vs Camissonia: Camissoniopsis flowers from base with four-angled fruits; Camissonia flowers from top with round fruits.; vs Oenothera: Camissoniopsis has four-angled fruits; Oenothera has round fruits and a distinctive 4-lobed cross-shaped stigma.; vs Taraxia: Camissoniopsis has four-angled fruits and flowers from base; Taraxia has round fruits.; vs Tetrapteron: Camissoniopsis has four-angled fruits; Tetrapteron has four-winged fruits.; vs Eulobus: Camissoniopsis has four-angled fruits; Eulobus has wand-like stems with red-flecked petals.
Frequently asked questions
Is Camissoniopsis cheiranthifolia subsp. suffruticosa native to California?
Yes. Camissoniopsis cheiranthifolia subsp. suffruticosa is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Camissoniopsis cheiranthifolia subsp. suffruticosa bloom?
Camissoniopsis cheiranthifolia subsp. suffruticosa blooms Apr-Aug.
Where in California does Camissoniopsis cheiranthifolia subsp. suffruticosa grow?
Camissoniopsis cheiranthifolia subsp. suffruticosa occurs in Ventura, San Diego, Mendocino, Los Angeles, Orange, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Monterey, at elevations of < 100 m.
What plant family does Camissoniopsis cheiranthifolia subsp. suffruticosa belong to?
Camissoniopsis cheiranthifolia subsp. suffruticosa is in the Onagraceae family, genus Camissoniopsis.
What habitat does Camissoniopsis cheiranthifolia subsp. suffruticosa grow in?
Camissoniopsis cheiranthifolia subsp. suffruticosa grows in Sandy slopes, flats, coastal dunes.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
- Camissoniopsis confusa — San bernardino sun cup
- Camissoniopsis guadalupensis subsp. clementina — San clemente island evening-primrose
- Camissoniopsis hardhamiae — Hardham's evening-primrose
- Camissoniopsis hirtella — Hairy sun cup
- Camissoniopsis ignota — Jurupa hills sun cup
- Camissoniopsis intermedia — Intermediate sun cups
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.