Payson Roundspike Cryptantha
Oreocarya humilis
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Payson Roundspike Cryptantha (Oreocarya humilis) 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"–8" H × 2"–6" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
AZ, CA, CO, ID and 4 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 areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
Oreocarya humilis is a tiny native perennial that forms low mats of silvery-green foliage close to the ground. It produces small white or pale yellow flowers from May through July and requires minimal water once established.
In an HOA neighborhood
Payson Roundspike 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.
- Extremely small size makes it appear sparse or weedy
- May go dormant and disappear in winter
- Doesn't provide the manicured look most HOAs expect
Wildlife value
This plant attracts native bees and beetles during its spring and summer blooming period. Its low stature makes it particularly valuable for ground-nesting pollinators.
Common questions
- How much sun does Payson Roundspike Cryptantha need?
- Payson Roundspike Cryptantha grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Payson Roundspike Cryptantha bloom?
- Payson Roundspike Cryptantha blooms in May, June, and July.
- Where is Payson Roundspike Cryptantha native?
- Payson Roundspike Cryptantha (Oreocarya humilis) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 4 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- What pollinators does Payson Roundspike Cryptantha attract?
- Payson Roundspike Cryptantha draws bees and beetles.
- Is Payson Roundspike Cryptantha HOA-friendly?
- Payson Roundspike 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 Payson Roundspike Cryptantha? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz