How much sun does Bearded Cryptantha need?

Bearded Cryptantha grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Bearded Cryptantha bloom?

Bearded Cryptantha blooms in April, May, and June.

Where is Bearded Cryptantha native?

Bearded Cryptantha (Cryptantha barbigera) is native to AZ, CA, ID, NM and 3 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Bearded Cryptantha attract?

Bearded Cryptantha draws bees and beetles.

Is Bearded Cryptantha HOA-friendly?

Bearded Cryptantha takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Bearded Cryptantha

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Cryptantha barbigera

Last reviewed: June 2026

Toxicity unknown

Bearded Cryptantha (Cryptantha barbigera) 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

2"–12" H × 2"–8" W

Bloom

Apr, May, Jun

Native to

AZ, CA, ID, NM and 3 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 437 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Southern California Mountains Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range North American Deserts Arizona/New Mexico Mountains Chihuahuan Deserts Madrean Archipelago Sonoran Basin and Range Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

Cryptantha barbigera is a small native annual wildflower that forms low, compact clumps with tiny white or pale blue flowers. This drought-tolerant plant blooms from April through June and thrives in full sun with minimal water once established. It naturally reseeds and provides early season color in rock gardens and naturalized areas.

In an HOA neighborhood

Bearded 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 stature may appear weedy
Annual nature means gaps when plants die back
Informal wildflower appearance doesn't fit manicured landscape expectations

Wildlife value

This native forb attracts native bees and beetles during its spring blooming period. Its small flowers provide an important early nectar source when few other plants are flowering.

Common questions

How much sun does Bearded Cryptantha need?: Bearded Cryptantha grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Bearded Cryptantha bloom?: Bearded Cryptantha blooms in April, May, and June.
Where is Bearded Cryptantha native?: Bearded Cryptantha (Cryptantha barbigera) is native to AZ, CA, ID, NM and 3 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Bearded Cryptantha attract?: Bearded Cryptantha draws bees and beetles.
Is Bearded Cryptantha HOA-friendly?: Bearded 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 vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Bearded Cryptantha? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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