Cryptantha rattanii
Rattan's cryptantha
(c) Rachel Stringham, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Rachel Stringham · licence
Family: Boraginaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 4.3
Cryptantha rattanii (Rattan's cryptantha) is a native California herb in the Boraginaceae family, recognized by . Key features: South Coast Ranges endemic, yellow appendages, fine-papillate dull nutlets.
Rattan's cryptantha is a California native annual found in northern South Coast Ranges in rocky, gravelly slopes, coastal scrub, chaparral, and foothill woodland at elevations of 150 to 780 meters. Flowering from April to July, this plant produces small white flowers with yellow appendages about 3 to 6 millimeters in diameter. Growing 15 to 60 centimeters tall with slender stems covered in both appressed and spreading bristles, it develops sparse branches throughout its structure. Its few leaves are 1.5 to 6 centimeters long, linear to narrow-lanceolate, with margins lined by minute bristles that have bulbous bases. The fruit consists of 1 to 3 grayish nutlets about 1.5 to 2 millimeters long, densely covered in fine papillae with rounded margins.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 19 sympatric species. Key features: South Coast Ranges endemic, yellow appendages, fine-papillate dull nutlets
Habitat and range
Habitat: Rocky, gravelly slopes, often granitic, grassland, coastal scrub, chaparral, foothill woodland
Elevation: 150-780 m
Bloom period
Cryptantha rattanii blooms Apr-Jul.
Conservation status
CNPS 4.3
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 rattanii native to California?
Yes. Cryptantha rattanii is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Cryptantha rattanii bloom?
Cryptantha rattanii blooms Apr-Jul.
What plant family does Cryptantha rattanii belong to?
Cryptantha rattanii is in the Boraginaceae family, genus Cryptantha.
Is Cryptantha rattanii rare or endangered?
Cryptantha rattanii carries California Rare Plant Rank 4.3, state rank S4.
What habitat does Cryptantha rattanii grow in?
Cryptantha rattanii grows in Rocky, gravelly slopes, often granitic, grassland, coastal scrub, chaparral, foothill woodland.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos · CDFW CNDDB
Last updated 2026-10-08
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.