How much sun does Cushion Cryptantha need?

Cushion Cryptantha grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Cushion Cryptantha bloom?

Cushion Cryptantha blooms in May, June, and July.

Where is Cushion Cryptantha native?

Cushion Cryptantha (Cryptantha circumscissa) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 6 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does Cushion Cryptantha attract?

Cushion Cryptantha draws bees and beetles.

Is Cushion Cryptantha HOA-friendly?

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

Cushion Cryptantha

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Cryptantha circumscissa

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Cushion Cryptantha (Cryptantha circumscissa) 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 × 2"–8" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, ID 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 area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Southern California Mountains North American Deserts Northwestern Forested Mountains Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range Arizona/New Mexico Mountains Sonoran Basin and Range

Cryptantha circumscissa is a small annual wildflower with tiny white flowers that bloom from May through July. This compact plant grows only 4-12 inches tall and spreads 2-8 inches wide, thriving in full sun with minimal water requirements.

In an HOA neighborhood

Cushion 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 size makes it appear weedy in formal landscapes
Annual lifecycle means gaps and inconsistent coverage
Tiny flowers and modest appearance lack visual impact for front yards

Wildlife value

This native forb provides nectar and pollen for bees and beetles during its summer blooming period. As an annual, it offers seasonal habitat value but may not provide consistent year-round wildlife support.

Common questions

How much sun does Cushion Cryptantha need?: Cushion Cryptantha grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Cushion Cryptantha bloom?: Cushion Cryptantha blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Cushion Cryptantha native?: Cushion Cryptantha (Cryptantha circumscissa) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 6 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Cushion Cryptantha attract?: Cushion Cryptantha draws bees and beetles.
Is Cushion Cryptantha HOA-friendly?: Cushion 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 Cushion Cryptantha? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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