Cryptantha hendersonii
Henderson's cryptantha
Family: Boraginaceae · Type: Annual · Native
Cryptantha hendersonii (Henderson's cryptantha) is a native California annual in the Boraginaceae family, recognized by . Key features: large corolla, 1-2 nutlets, volcanic soils, northern montane distribution.
Henderson's cryptantha is a California native annual herb found occasionally in northwestern California, the California Cascades, northern Sierra Nevada eastern slope, and Modoc Plateau in open conifer forests, sagebrush scrub, and occasionally grassland and chaparral at elevations of 150 to 1,830 meters. Flowering from May to July, this plant produces small white flowers with yellow appendages in delicate clusters approximately 4 to 8 millimeters in diameter. Growing with erect stems 10 to 40 centimeters tall, it has stiff branches covered in fine, densely ascending rough hairs. Its leaves are linear to lanceolate, 1.5 to 5 centimeters long, with rough, coarse hairs and bristly undersides covered in bulbous-based hairs, particularly along the midrib. The fruit consists of 1 to 4 grayish-brown nutlets approximately 2.2 to 2.5 millimeters long, with a papillate surface and sharp to rounded margins.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 27 sympatric species. Key features: large corolla, 1-2 nutlets, volcanic soils, northern montane distribution
Habitat and range
Habitat: Loamy to rocky soils, often volcanic, generally open conifer forest, sagebrush scrub, occasionally grassland, chaparral
Elevation: 150-1830 m
Outside California: to British Columbia, western Idaho, northwestern Nevada
Bloom period
Cryptantha hendersonii blooms May-Jul.
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 hendersonii native to California?
Yes. Cryptantha hendersonii is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Cryptantha hendersonii bloom?
Cryptantha hendersonii blooms May-Jul.
What plant family does Cryptantha hendersonii belong to?
Cryptantha hendersonii is in the Boraginaceae family, genus Cryptantha.
What habitat does Cryptantha hendersonii grow in?
Cryptantha hendersonii grows in Loamy to rocky soils, often volcanic, generally open conifer forest, sagebrush scrub, occasionally grassland, chaparral.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-06
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.