Cryptantha dissita
Lake cryptantha, Lake Cryptantha
Family: Boraginaceae · Type: Annual · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.2
Cryptantha dissita (Lake cryptantha) is a native California annual in the Boraginaceae family, recognized by 16 co-occurring species. CNPS 1B.2. Key features: serpentine endemic, tufted growth, large flowers, dark-tipped calyx bristles <3mm.
Lake cryptantha is a rare (CNPS 1B.2) California native annual found in eastern Klamath Ranges, southeastern North Coast Ranges, and southern North Coast Interior Ranges in rocky outcrops, gravelly serpentine slopes, chaparral, and foothill woodland at elevations of 150 to 900 meters. Flowering from March to June, this plant produces pale yellow flowers with a corolla limb 5 to 8 millimeters in diameter. Growing with erect, tufted stems 8 to 25 centimeters tall, it develops sparse branches near the base with soft, spreading bristly hairs. Its leaves are crowded at the base, 0.5 to 2.5 centimeters long, with oblong to wide-linear shape and soft, mostly appressed hairs with bulbous bases. The fruit consists of 1 to 4 smooth, shiny, mottled gray and brown nutlets that are 1.8 to 2.2 millimeters long.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 16 co-occurring species. CNPS 1B.2. Key features: serpentine endemic, tufted growth, large flowers, dark-tipped calyx bristles <3mm.
Habitat and range
Habitat: Rocky outcrops, gravelly slopes, serpentine endemic, chaparral, foothill woodland
Elevation: 150-900 m
Bloom period
Cryptantha dissita 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 dissita native to California?
Yes. Cryptantha dissita is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Cryptantha dissita bloom?
Cryptantha dissita blooms Mar-Jun.
What plant family does Cryptantha dissita belong to?
Cryptantha dissita is in the Boraginaceae family, genus Cryptantha.
Is Cryptantha dissita rare or endangered?
Cryptantha dissita carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.2, state rank S3.
What habitat does Cryptantha dissita grow in?
Cryptantha dissita grows in Rocky outcrops, gravelly slopes, serpentine endemic, chaparral, foothill woodland.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos · CDFW CNDDB
Last updated 2026-09-30
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.