Oreocarya crymophila
Subalpine oreocarya
(c) Matt Berger, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Matt Berger · licence
Family: Boraginaceae · Type: Subshrub · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.3
Oreocarya crymophila (Subalpine oreocarya) is a native California subshrub in the Boraginaceae family, recognized by location diagnostic.
Subalpine oreocarya is a rare (CNPS 1B.3) California native perennial found in northern and central Sierra Nevada Alpine areas of Tuolumne County in rocky volcanic semi-barren soils at elevations of 2,600 to 3,200 meters. Flowering from July to August, this plant produces white to off-white flowers with yellow appendages in dense clusters, with blossoms 4 to 7 millimeters in diameter. Growing with multiple leafy stems 13 to 40 centimeters tall, it forms tufted clusters with a woody, branched caudex and sharp-bristly stems. Its basal leaves are oblanceolate to acute-oblong, 4 to 10 centimeters long, with strigose upper surfaces and sharp, bulbous-based bristles underneath. The fruit consists of generally four nutlets 4.5 to 5.5 millimeters long, brown and slightly elliptical with narrow wing-like margins.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Geographically isolated; location diagnostic
Habitat and range
Habitat: Rocky volcanic semi-barren soils, scree
Elevation: 2600-3200 m
California counties: Alpine, Tuolumne, Mono
Bloom period
Oreocarya crymophila blooms Jul-Aug.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.3
How to tell it apart
vs Cryptantha: Cryptanthas are slender annuals with tiny inconspicuous white flowers; Oreocarya are stout perennials from a woody branched caudex with showier, densely clustered white or yellow flowers.; vs Hackelia: Stickseed nutlets bear hooked marginal prickles that cling to clothing; Oreocarya nutlets are smooth to roughened but lack hooked prickles.; vs Plagiobothrys: Popcornflowers are annuals of moist ground, often red-staining, in open coils; Oreocarya are harsh, bristly perennials forming cushions on dry rocky or desert sites.; vs Cynoglossum: Hound's-tongue is a tall, leafy-stemmed biennial with broad soft leaves and reddish-blue flowers; Oreocarya is low and cushion-like with narrow bristly leaves and white or yellow flowers.; vs Cryptantha: Beyond size, Oreocarya has persistent basal rosettes and a woody caudex, whereas Cryptantha germinates fresh each year with no woody base.
Frequently asked questions
Is Oreocarya crymophila native to California?
Yes. Oreocarya crymophila is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Oreocarya crymophila bloom?
Oreocarya crymophila blooms Jul-Aug.
Where in California does Oreocarya crymophila grow?
Oreocarya crymophila occurs in Alpine, Tuolumne, Mono, at elevations of 2600-3200 m.
What plant family does Oreocarya crymophila belong to?
Oreocarya crymophila is in the Boraginaceae family, genus Oreocarya.
Is Oreocarya crymophila rare or endangered?
Oreocarya crymophila carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.3, state rank S3.
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.