Cryptantha utahensis
Scented cryptantha
(c) Jim Morefield, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Jim Morefield · licence
Family: Boraginaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Cryptantha utahensis (Scented cryptantha) is a native California herb in the Boraginaceae family, recognized by scented flowers with prominent yellow appendages diagnostic.
Scented cryptantha is a California native annual found in southeastern Sierra Nevada, northeastern San Gabriel Mountains, northeastern San Bernardino Mountains, eastern Peninsular Ranges, southern Sierra Nevada East, and desert regions in rocky, gravelly areas and woodland habitats at elevations of 300 to 2,300 meters. Flowering from March to July, this plant produces small white flowers with deep yellow appendages that are generally fragrant. Growing 10 to 30 centimeters tall with branches throughout and dense strigose stems, it develops linear to oblong leaves 0.5 to 5 centimeters long with appressed bristly surfaces. Its leaves feature some bristles with distinctive bulbous bases, giving the plant a textured appearance. The fruit consists of one to three lanceolate nutlets, 1.7 to 2.5 millimeters long with finely papillate surfaces and sharp-angled margins.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 41 sympatric species - scented flowers with prominent yellow appendages diagnostic
Habitat and range
Habitat: Rocky, gravelly areas, slopes, coarse washes, creosote-bush scrub, Joshua-tree and pinyon/juniper woodland
Elevation: (80)300-2300(2600) m
California counties: San Bernardino, Inyo, Riverside, Kern, Mono, San Diego, Los Angeles
Outside California: to southwestern Utah, northwestern Arizona
Bloom period
Cryptantha utahensis 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 utahensis native to California?
Yes. Cryptantha utahensis is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Cryptantha utahensis bloom?
Cryptantha utahensis blooms Mar-Jul.
Where in California does Cryptantha utahensis grow?
Cryptantha utahensis occurs in San Bernardino, Inyo, Riverside, Kern, Mono, San Diego, Los Angeles, at elevations of (80)300-2300(2600) m.
What plant family does Cryptantha utahensis belong to?
Cryptantha utahensis is in the Boraginaceae family, genus Cryptantha.
What habitat does Cryptantha utahensis grow in?
Cryptantha utahensis grows in Rocky, gravelly areas, slopes, coarse washes, creosote-bush scrub, Joshua-tree and pinyon/juniper woodland.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
- Cryptantha watsonii — Watson's cryptantha
- Cryptantha wigginsii — Wiggins's cryptantha
- Cryptantha affinis — Side-grooved cryptantha
- Cryptantha ambigua — Wilkes's cryptantha
- Cryptantha barbigera — Bearded cryptantha
- Cryptantha barbigera var. barbigera — Bearded cryptantha
- Cynoglossum officinale — Common hound's tongue
- Cynoglossum sp. — Hound's tongue
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.