Scientific Family
Boraginaceae
Synonyms
Cryptantha jamesii, Krynitzkia jamesii, Oreocarya suffruticosa
Plant type
Forbs and Subshrubs
Origin
Native
Lifecycle
Perennial
Similar species
Cryptantha spp.
Height
8 inches
Riparian
No
Densely branches from the base and usually also above. Has overall rounded shape.
Silvery wooly appearance, due to hairs. With maturation, the flowers produce smooth nutlets that are shiny and compressed.
Habitat
Appears on dry hills and banks.
Plant Community
Pinyon Juniper Woodlands
Montane Conifer Forest
Interior Chaparral
Low elevation
5000
High elevation
7500
Flower Characteristics
Flower has 5 parts. The outer whorl of the flower (calyx) is up to 1/4 inch long. Tube about 1/8 inch long.
Flower color
White
Flower shape
Regular
Tubular
Yes
First bloom month
April
Last bloom month
September
Flower clusters
Rounded
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
Whitish-green color due to hairs. Leaf blades 1 to 4 inches long. Lower leaves are opposite while others are alternate.
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf color
Whitish-green
Leaf shape
Narrow
Leaf margin
Smooth
Leaves clasp
No
Leaf hairs
Leaves & stems
Spines
No
Fruit and Seed Characteristics
Has 2 to 4 nutlets per flower. Nutlet less than 1/8 inch in size.
Fruit type
Nutlet
Fruit color
Light brown