Basin Cryptantha
Cryptantha ambigua
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Basin Cryptantha (Cryptantha ambigua) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
4"–12" H × 3"–8" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
CA, CO, ID, MA and 6 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
Basin cryptantha is a small annual wildflower that forms low, compact mounds with tiny white flowers clustered along short stems. This drought-tolerant native blooms from May through July and naturally reseeds in suitable locations. The plant has a delicate, somewhat fuzzy appearance with small leaves and inconspicuous growth habit.
In an HOA neighborhood
Basin Cryptantha takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Very small and easily overlooked, may appear weedy
- Annual nature means gaps when plants don't establish
- Informal wildflower appearance doesn't fit typical landscaping expectations
Wildlife value
The small white flowers attract native bees and beetles during the late spring and summer blooming period. As a native annual, it provides early season nectar when few other plants are flowering.
Common questions
- How much sun does Basin Cryptantha need?
- Basin Cryptantha grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Basin Cryptantha bloom?
- Basin Cryptantha blooms in May, June, and July.
- Where is Basin Cryptantha native?
- Basin Cryptantha (Cryptantha ambigua) is native to CA, CO, ID, MA and 6 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- What pollinators does Basin Cryptantha attract?
- Basin Cryptantha draws bees and beetles.
- Is Basin Cryptantha HOA-friendly?
- Basin Cryptantha takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Basin Cryptantha? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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