Cryptantha crinita
Silky cryptantha, Silky Cryptantha
(c) Matt Berger, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Matt Berger · licence
Family: Boraginaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.2
Cryptantha crinita (Silky cryptantha) is a native California herb in the Boraginaceae family, recognized by 8 co-occurring species. CNPS 1B.2. Key feature: distinctive long white silky hairs throughout, especially on pedicels and calyx.
Silky cryptantha is a rare (CNPS 1B.2) California native annual found in the Shasta and Tehama counties in rocky volcanic flats and gravelly streambanks of foothill woodlands at elevations of 90 to 1,120 meters. Flowering from March to June, this plant produces yellow-appendaged white flowers in small cymes. Growing 10 to 40 centimeters tall with many branches covered in rough, appressed to ascending hairs, it develops an intricate, somewhat bristly appearance. Its narrow leaves, 1 to 4 centimeters long and oblanceolate to oblong, are densely covered with rough hairs, some with bulbous bases. The fruit consists of a single lance-ovate nutlet about 2.3 to 2.8 millimeters long, brown and densely papillate with a rounded margin.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 8 co-occurring species. CNPS 1B.2. Key feature: distinctive long white silky hairs throughout, especially on pedicels and calyx.
Habitat and range
Habitat: Rocky volcanic flats, gravelly streambanks, gravel bars, generally foothill woodland
Elevation: 90-1120 m
California counties: Shasta, Tehama, Butte
Bloom period
Cryptantha crinita blooms Mar-Jun.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.2
How to tell it apart
vs Plagiobothrys: Seeds have a groove down the inner face, not a raised ridge like Plagiobothrys.; vs Johnstonella: Cryptantha nutlets have grooves; Johnstonella nutlets lack distinct grooves on inner face.; vs Eremocarya: Cryptantha has grooved nutlets; Eremocarya nutlets are smooth without grooves.; vs Phacelia: Cryptantha has coiled flower clusters; Phacelia flowers are in looser, more open arrangements.; vs Pectocarya: Seeds lack the comb-like marginal barbs that give Pectocarya its combseed name.
Frequently asked questions
Is Cryptantha crinita native to California?
Yes. Cryptantha crinita is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Cryptantha crinita bloom?
Cryptantha crinita blooms Mar-Jun.
Where in California does Cryptantha crinita grow?
Cryptantha crinita occurs in Shasta, Tehama, Butte, at elevations of 90-1120 m.
What plant family does Cryptantha crinita belong to?
Cryptantha crinita is in the Boraginaceae family, genus Cryptantha.
Is Cryptantha crinita rare or endangered?
Cryptantha crinita carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.2, state rank S2.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CNPS Rare Plant Inventory · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos · CDFW CNDDB
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.