Cryptantha mohavensis
Mojave cryptantha
(c) Rachel Stringham, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Rachel Stringham · licence
Family: Boraginaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Cryptantha mohavensis (Mojave cryptantha) is a native California herb in the Boraginaceae family, recognized by . Key features: fragrant flowers, large bright yellow appendages, flattened sharp-margined nutlets.
Mojave cryptantha is a California native annual found in southern Sierra Nevada (eastern slope), Tehachapi, northern Transverse Ranges, and western Desert Mountains on open granitic slopes in pinyon/juniper woodland at elevations of 500 to 2,650 meters. Flowering from April to July, this delicate plant produces deep yellow flowers with prominent appendages about 4 to 7.5 millimeters in diameter. Growing 10 to 40 centimeters tall with branches throughout, the plant has rough-hairy stems with ascending to spreading hairs. Its leaves are linear to oblong, 0.5 to 4 centimeters long, densely covered with spreading bristles from bulbous bases. The plant produces 3 to 4 nutlets that are ovate, flattened, and grayish, with a shiny surface and sharp-angled margins.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 43 sympatric species. Key features: fragrant flowers, large bright yellow appendages, flattened sharp-margined nutlets
Habitat and range
Habitat: Open granitic-based gravelly or rocky slopes, generally pinyon/juniper woodland, occasionally creosote-bush scrub to open conifer forest
Elevation: 500-2650 m
California counties: Kern, Tulare, Inyo, San Bernardino, Mono, Santa Barbara
Bloom period
Cryptantha mohavensis blooms Apr-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 mohavensis native to California?
Yes. Cryptantha mohavensis is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Cryptantha mohavensis bloom?
Cryptantha mohavensis blooms Apr-Jul.
Where in California does Cryptantha mohavensis grow?
Cryptantha mohavensis occurs in Kern, Tulare, Inyo, San Bernardino, Mono, Santa Barbara, at elevations of 500-2650 m.
What plant family does Cryptantha mohavensis belong to?
Cryptantha mohavensis is in the Boraginaceae family, genus Cryptantha.
What habitat does Cryptantha mohavensis grow in?
Cryptantha mohavensis grows in Open granitic-based gravelly or rocky slopes, generally pinyon/juniper woodland, occasionally creosote-bush scrub to open conifer forest.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · 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.