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Forget-Me-Not, Cryptantha sp.

Narrow-Leaf Cryptantha, Cryptantha angustifolia
Boraginaceae

Cryptanthas, also known as Forget-Me-Nots, are frequently stepped on. They grow close to the ground, often no more than 12 inches tall. This is a plant whose leaves predominate, often dying, making it easy to be mistaken for a weed.

Cryptantha flowers are generally small, meaning they are best looked at by getting down on your hands and knees and using a magnifying glass to view them. For a good look at the nutlets, often the only way to positively identify the species, you may need a powerful microscope. The stems tend to be spindly and spreading. Cryptanthas are annuals and can be confused with Popcorn Flowers, Plagiobothrys.

Cryptantha species most often found in Anza-Borrego are:

Narrowleaf Cryptantha (Cryptantha angustifolia) — Spreads up to 24 inches. Look for it in sandy to rocky soils especially along roadsides,and in creosote scrub and desert woodland. C. angustifolia is Anza-Borrego's most common Cryptantha. Harvester ants are fond of the seeds.
Bearded Cryptantha (Cryptantha barbigera) — 4-20 inches.
White-haired Cryptantha (Cryptantha maritima) — 4-12 inches, small white flowers, often with red stems.
Purpleroot Cryptantha (Cryptantha micrantha) — To 6 inches. Roots stain anything they touch a nice violet.

Cryptantha species considered rare or uncommon in Anza-Borrego are:

Ribbed/Ashen Cryptantha, (Cryptantha costata) — 4-8 inches
Gravel Cryptantha (Cryptantha decipiens) — 4-16 inches
Gander's Cryptantha (Cryptantha ganderi) — Annual 4-16 inches
Winged Cryptantha (Cryptantha holoptera) — Annual Upright, 4-20 inches
Nievitas Cryptantha (Cryptantha intermedia) — Annual 4-24 inches. Common in the San Diego County mountains and coastal plains but rare in Anza-Borrego.
Nevada Cryptantha (Cryptantha nevadensis) — 4-24 inches
Single-Wing Cryptantha (Cryptantha pterocarya var. cycloptera) — 4-16 inches
Wing-Nut Cryptantha (Cryptantha pterocarya var. pterocarya) — 4-16 inches
Scented Cryptantha (Cryptantha utahensis) — Fragrantly scented. 4-12 inches. Look for it in the southern desert, possibly near Dos Cabezas Spring.

Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association
P O BOX 310 ( 652 Palm Canyon Drive) Borrego Springs, CA 92004-0310
Office 760-767-3052 | Desert Store & Nature Center 760-767-3098 | FAX 760-767-3099