California sun cup
Camissoniopsis bistorta
Last reviewed: September 2026
California sun cup (Camissoniopsis bistorta) is a annual forb native to CA. It blooms in March, April, and May. The flowers draw bees.
Toxicity unknown
California sun cup (Camissoniopsis bistorta) 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 × 6"–12" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May
Native to
CA
Pollinators
bees
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 458 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
A low, sprawling annual wildflower with narrow leaves and cup-shaped yellow flowers that often show red spotting at the petal base, common on sandy slopes and disturbed ground.
Growing California sun cup
Grow California sun cup in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 4 to 12 inches tall and spread 6 to 12 inches wide.
Wildlife value
Provides nectar and pollen for small native bees during spring bloom.
Common questions
- How much sun does California sun cup need?
- California sun cup grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does California sun cup bloom?
- California sun cup blooms in March, April, and May.
- Where is California sun cup native?
- California sun cup (Camissoniopsis bistorta) is native to CA, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does California sun cup attract?
- California sun cup draws bees.
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.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow California sun cup? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.