How much sun does Common cryptantha need?

Common cryptantha grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Common cryptantha bloom?

Common cryptantha blooms in March, April, and May.

Where is Common cryptantha native?

Common cryptantha (Cryptantha intermedia) is native to AZ, CA, ID, NV and 2 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

Common cryptantha

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Cryptantha intermedia

Last reviewed: September 2026

Common cryptantha (Cryptantha intermedia) is a annual forb native to AZ, CA, ID, NV and 2 more states. It blooms in March, April, and May. The flowers draw bees.

Toxicity unknown

Common cryptantha (Cryptantha intermedia) 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

6"–16" H × 4"–8" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May

Native to

AZ, CA, ID, NV and 2 more states

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 area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Puget Lowland Marine West Coast Forest Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Central California Valley Southern California Mountains North American Deserts Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range Arizona/New Mexico Mountains Sonoran Basin and Range Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

A bristly-haired annual forb with narrow gray-green leaves and small white five-lobed flowers clustered along coiled stem tips. Common in dry, open sandy sites.

Growing Common cryptantha

Grow Common cryptantha in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 6 to 16 inches tall and spread 4 to 8 inches wide.

Wildlife value

Small flowers offer minor early-spring forage for native bees.

Common questions

How much sun does Common cryptantha need?: Common cryptantha grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Common cryptantha bloom?: Common cryptantha blooms in March, April, and May.
Where is Common cryptantha native?: Common cryptantha (Cryptantha intermedia) is native to AZ, CA, ID, NV and 2 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Common cryptantha attract?: Common cryptantha draws bees.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). 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.

See all plant problem guides

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

Add this plant to your garden

iPhone app Android app