Cryptantha intermedia var. johnstonii
Johnston's cryptantha
Photo: parent species Cryptantha intermedia · Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Boraginaceae · Type: Annual · Native
Cryptantha intermedia var. johnstonii (Johnston's cryptantha) is a native California annual in the Boraginaceae family, recognized by soft-bristly stems without appressed hairs diagnostic.
Johnston's cryptantha is a California native annual found in coastal California bioregions including Central Coast, Southern California Coastal, Western Transverse Ranges, and Peninsular Ranges in dunes, chaparral, and coastal sage scrub at elevations of 5 to 1,000 meters. Flowering from March to July, this plant produces small white flowers in delicate, branching clusters. Growing with a single main stem and laxly ascending branches 10 to 30 centimeters tall, it is densely covered in soft, spreading bristly hairs. Its leaves are narrow and covered with soft, appressed hairs, creating a slightly textured appearance characteristic of cryptantha species. The fruit consists of 3 to 4 small nutlets nestled in a lance-ovoid calyx with bristly margins.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 49 sympatric species - soft-bristly stems without appressed hairs diagnostic
Habitat and range
Habitat: Dunes, chaparral, coastal sage scrub; sandy, clay, or granitic-derived soil
Elevation: 5-1000 m
Outside California: coastal nw Baja California
Bloom period
Cryptantha intermedia var. johnstonii blooms Mar-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 intermedia var. johnstonii native to California?
Yes. Cryptantha intermedia var. johnstonii is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Cryptantha intermedia var. johnstonii bloom?
Cryptantha intermedia var. johnstonii blooms Mar-Jul.
What plant family does Cryptantha intermedia var. johnstonii belong to?
Cryptantha intermedia var. johnstonii is in the Boraginaceae family, genus Cryptantha.
What habitat does Cryptantha intermedia var. johnstonii grow in?
Cryptantha intermedia var. johnstonii grows in Dunes, chaparral, coastal sage scrub; sandy, clay, or granitic-derived soil.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
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.