Cryptantha, Genus, intermedia, Species,
- Genus & species
Clearwater cryptantha
Overview
Cryptantha intermedia is a slender annual wildflower in the borage family, native to dry, open slopes, chaparral, and disturbed ground in California, the southwestern United States, and Baja California. It grows 6-16 inches (15-40 cm) tall on erect, branching stems that are stiffly bristly-hairy throughout. The narrow leaves are 0.5-2 inches (1.5-5 cm) long, rough to the touch, and crowded toward the stem base. Flowering occurs in spring and early summer, with small white flowers 0.1-0.25 inch (3-6 mm) across, each with five rounded lobes and a small yellow center. The flowers line one side of coiled stalks that uncurl as the buds open, a pattern typical of the family. Hard, pointed nutlets follow and cling to fur and clothing by the bristly calyx. The plant is one of several similar white-flowered annual cryptanthas that are hard to tell apart without examining the nutlets. As a foothill and desert annual it dies after seeding, depending entirely on its seed bank to return.
Native Range
Native to the western United States and northwestern Mexico, from Oregon and Idaho south through California to Baja California and east to Arizona and New Mexico, on dry slopes, chaparral, and open disturbed ground.Suggested Uses
Used in native annual wildflower mixes, dry meadow seedings, and restoration of disturbed slopes. The small flowers support tiny native bees and flies in spring. It suits low-water and desert gardens where its quick spring growth fills bare ground.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6" - 1'4"
Width/Spread4" - 8"
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
white with yellow centerFoliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Water & Climate
Water Needs
Drought Tolerance
Drought tolerant when established
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in full sun on dry, fast-draining sandy, gravelly, or rocky soils of low fertility. It is strongly drought tolerant as a spring annual and needs no irrigation. A soil pH of 6.0 to 7.8 suits it, and rich or wet soils give weak, short-lived plants. Propagation is by seed sown in fall, and established stands self-sow freely on open ground. It has no significant pest or disease problems. The plant grows quickly, flowers, and dies within a single season.Pruning
No pruning is needed on this small annual. Plants are left undisturbed to flower and drop seed, then clear away on their own as they dry. Letting the nutlets ripen in place maintains the stand from year to year.Toxicity: Not assessed
UnknownPlanting Guide
Planting Methods & Timing
Planting Method
direct sow
Direct Sow Timing
fall
Days to Maturity
80–110 days
Plant Spacing
4 inches
