Cryptantha mariposae
Mariposa cryptantha
(c) Rachel Stringham, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Rachel Stringham · licence
Family: Boraginaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.3
Cryptantha mariposae (Mariposa cryptantha) is a native California herb in the Boraginaceae family, recognized by NONE sympatric - geographically isolated. Key features: serpentine endemic, northern SNF foothills.
Mariposa cryptantha is a rare (CNPS 1B.3) California native annual found in northern and central Sierra Nevada Foothills on rocky, semi-barren ridges and dry serpentine slopes at elevations of 200 to 650 meters. Flowering from April to June, this plant produces tiny yellow-centered white flowers with prominent deep yellow appendages in small cymes. Growing 8 to 25 centimeters tall with sparse-strigose stems that are ascending to occasionally spreading, it has a delicate, somewhat rough-textured appearance. Its lowest leaves are 1 to 2 centimeters long, oblong to oblanceolate, with sparse short bristles arising from bulbous bases. The fruit consists of (2)3 or 4 ovate to lance-ovate nutlets, approximately 2 millimeters long, which are fine-papillate and range from dull to glossy brown.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: NONE sympatric - geographically isolated. Key features: serpentine endemic, northern SNF foothills
Habitat and range
Habitat: Rocky, semi-barren ridges, dry slopes, serpentine endemic, generally chaparral
Elevation: 200-650 m
California counties: Mariposa, Tuolumne, Amador, San Benito, Stanislaus, El Dorado, Calaveras
Bloom period
Cryptantha mariposae blooms Apr-Jun.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.3
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 mariposae native to California?
Yes. Cryptantha mariposae is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Cryptantha mariposae bloom?
Cryptantha mariposae blooms Apr-Jun.
Where in California does Cryptantha mariposae grow?
Cryptantha mariposae occurs in Mariposa, Tuolumne, Amador, San Benito, Stanislaus, El Dorado, Calaveras, at elevations of 200-650 m.
What plant family does Cryptantha mariposae belong to?
Cryptantha mariposae is in the Boraginaceae family, genus Cryptantha.
Is Cryptantha mariposae rare or endangered?
Cryptantha mariposae carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.3, state rank S2S3.
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.