Scientific Family
Boraginaceae
Synonyms
Cryptantha pattersonii, C. ramulosissima , C. wyomingensis , Krynitzkia fendleri
Other common names
sand-dune cat's-eye, sanddune catseye
Fendlers cryptantha
Plant type
Forbs and Subshrubs
Origin
Native
Lifecycle
Annual
Similar species
Cryptantha gracilis
Height
4 to 20 inches
Riparian
No
Annual; plants slender, stems erect with a distinct central stem; simple below, branched above; densely hairy. Flower clusters of several somewhat coiled clusters of flowers that become elongated and straighter with maturity.
Slender, erect annual; stems often branched above; leaves, stems with rough, stiff, sharp hairs; flowers white, funnel-shaped, bractless, in spikes; sepals rounded at the base; nutlets 3 or 4, smooth, shiny, widest below middle, style extends slightly.
Habitat
Sandy soils, pinyon-juniper, and pine communities.
Plant Community
Pinyon Juniper Woodlands
Montane Conifer Forest
Low elevation
5000
High elevation
7000
Flower Characteristics
Tiny, white flowers with yellow center crests are borne on coiled, paired stems; stems elongate as flowers mature; asymmetrical; softly hairy with a few longer bristle-like hairs; flowers have a small, united portion below and 5 spreading petals above.
Flower color
White
Flower shape
Regular
Tubular
Yes
First bloom month
June
Last bloom month
September
Flower clusters
Elongated
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
Leaves alternate, narrow and strap-shaped; may be up to 1 inch long; margins smooth.Â
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf color
Green
Leaf shape
Narrow
Leaf margin
Smooth
Leaves clasp
No
Leaf hairs
Leaves & stems
Spines
No
Fruit and Seed Characteristics
3 or 4 smooth, shiny, narrowly lance-shaped nutlets, all about 1/16 inch long.
Fruit type
Nutlet