Mariposa Cryptantha
(Cryptantha mariposae )
Boraginaceae

Photo Copyright Charles Webber California Academy of Sciences

Description: Annual herb 4-10 inches (10-25cm) tall, with stems having stiff, straight, rough hairs. Leaves oblong, 3/8 - 3/4 inches (1/2cm) long, with short, bristly hairs. Inflorescence are spikes, 5/8 - 2 inches (1.5-5cm) long. Sepals are 1/8 inch (2-3mm) long, and the corolla is about 1/16 inch (2mm) wide. Fruits are nutlets (generally 4), shiny, egg-shaped, and brown or mottled.  

Distribution:

Habitat: Serpentine soils. Elevation 640 - 2080 feet.

Flowering Period: Blooms April - May.

Similar Plants:

Status: BLM Sensitive, California Native Plant Society List 1B