How much sun does Cream-cups need?

Cream-cups grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Cream-cups bloom?

Cream-cups blooms in March, April, and May.

Where is Cream-cups native?

Cream-cups (Platystemon californicus) is native to AZ, CA, NV, OR and 1 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Cream-cups attract?

Cream-cups draws small native bees, beetles, and flies.

Cream-cups

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Platystemon californicus

Last reviewed: October 2026

Cream-cups (Platystemon californicus) is a annual forb native to AZ, CA, NV, OR and 1 more states. It blooms in March, April, and May. The flowers draw small native bees, beetles, and flies.

Toxicity unknown

Cream-cups (Platystemon californicus) 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 × 4"–8" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May

Native to

AZ, CA, NV, OR and 1 more states

Pollinators

small native bees, beetles, flies

Before you buy

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Central California Valley Southern California Mountains Mojave Basin and Range Northwestern Forested Mountains Arizona/New Mexico Mountains Madrean Archipelago Sonoran Basin and Range Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

A low, hairy annual with narrow gray-green leaves and cup-shaped, pale cream to yellow flowers on short stems. Carpets open grassland and sandy flats in spring alongside other native wildflowers, then dries and sets seed by early summer.

Growing Cream-cups

Grow Cream-cups in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 4 to 12 inches tall and spread 4 to 8 inches wide.

Wildlife value

The abundant spring blooms provide early-season pollen and nectar for small native bees and other pollinators emerging alongside the wildflower bloom.

Common questions

How much sun does Cream-cups need?: Cream-cups grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Cream-cups bloom?: Cream-cups blooms in March, April, and May.
Where is Cream-cups native?: Cream-cups (Platystemon californicus) is native to AZ, CA, NV, OR and 1 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Cream-cups attract?: Cream-cups draws small native bees, beetles, and flies.

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.

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