Chylismiella pterosperma
Wing fruit sun cup
(c) Jim Morefield, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Jim Morefield · licence
Family: Onagraceae · Type: Herb · Native
Chylismiella pterosperma (Wing fruit sun cup) is a native California herb in the Onagraceae family, recognized by Recently segregated genus from Camissonia; represents a specialized desert mountain lineage distinct from other California evening….
Wing fruit sun cup is a California native annual found in the Inyo Mountains and Panamint Range in well-drained, volcanic slopes, pinyon and juniper woodland, and sagebrush scrub at elevations of 1,400 to 2,400 meters. Flowering from May to June, this delicate plant produces white flowers with a yellow base that fade to purple, each small blossom opening at dawn. Growing with slender, erect, and branched stems 2 to 14 centimeters tall that peel near the base, it has a distinctive taproot and bristly hairs. Its leaves are narrow, alternate, and sessile, ranging from 3 to 30 millimeters long, with a lance-like to oblanceolate shape. The fruit is particularly notable, with (3)4 chambers, 12 to 28 millimeters long, bearing seeds with a thick wing and densely covered in glassy club-shaped hairs.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Recently segregated genus from Camissonia; represents a specialized desert mountain lineage distinct from other California evening primrose genera
Habitat and range
Habitat: Uncommon. Well-drained, generally volcanic slopes, pinyon/juniper woodland, sagebrush scrub
Elevation: 1400-2400 m
California counties: San Bernardino, Inyo, Mono
Outside California: to Oregon, western Utah, northwestern Arizona
Bloom period
Chylismiella pterosperma blooms May-Jun.
Frequently asked questions
Is Chylismiella pterosperma native to California?
Yes. Chylismiella pterosperma is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Chylismiella pterosperma bloom?
Chylismiella pterosperma blooms May-Jun.
Where in California does Chylismiella pterosperma grow?
Chylismiella pterosperma occurs in San Bernardino, Inyo, Mono, at elevations of 1400-2400 m.
What plant family does Chylismiella pterosperma belong to?
Chylismiella pterosperma is in the Onagraceae family, genus Chylismiella.
What habitat does Chylismiella pterosperma grow in?
Chylismiella pterosperma grows in Uncommon. Well-drained, generally volcanic slopes, pinyon/juniper woodland, sagebrush scrub.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
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.