Cryptantha maritima var. pilosa
Tufted haired cryptantha
(c) Sula Vanderplank, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Sula Vanderplank · licence
Family: Boraginaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Cryptantha maritima var. pilosa (Tufted haired cryptantha) is a native California herb in the Boraginaceae family, recognized by longer erect hairs diagnostic vs var. maritima.
Tufted haired cryptantha is a California native annual found in desert regions on alluvial and rocky slopes, desert washes, and sandy to gravelly soils at elevations below 1,400 meters. Flowering from February to May, this plant produces small white flowers densely covered with fine white hairs along the calyx margins. Growing with delicate, upright stems reaching 10 to 30 centimeters tall, it forms distinctive tufted clusters in arid landscapes. Its leaves are narrow and elongated, often clustered at the base of the plant with a rough, slightly bristly texture. The plant is characterized by its densely hairy calyx, with white hairs typically one millimeter or longer, giving it a soft, silvery appearance in its desert habitat.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 39 sympatric species - longer erect hairs diagnostic vs var. maritima
Habitat and range
Habitat: Common, widespread in allvial or rocky slopes and bluffs, desert wash; sandy to gravelly, occasionally limestone or volcanic soils
Elevation: < 1400 m
Outside California: southwestern Nevada, Arizona, Mexico
Bloom period
Cryptantha maritima var. pilosa blooms Feb-May.
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 maritima var. pilosa native to California?
Yes. Cryptantha maritima var. pilosa is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Cryptantha maritima var. pilosa bloom?
Cryptantha maritima var. pilosa blooms Feb-May.
What plant family does Cryptantha maritima var. pilosa belong to?
Cryptantha maritima var. pilosa is in the Boraginaceae family, genus Cryptantha.
What habitat does Cryptantha maritima var. pilosa grow in?
Cryptantha maritima var. pilosa grows in Common, widespread in allvial or rocky slopes and bluffs, desert wash; sandy to gravelly, occasionally limestone or volcanic soils.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
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.