How much sun does Yellow-Eyed Cryptantha need?

Yellow-Eyed Cryptantha grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Yellow-Eyed Cryptantha bloom?

Yellow-Eyed Cryptantha blooms in May, June, and July.

Where is Yellow-Eyed Cryptantha native?

Yellow-Eyed Cryptantha (Oreocarya flavoculata) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 5 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does Yellow-Eyed Cryptantha attract?

Yellow-Eyed Cryptantha draws bees and beetles.

Is Yellow-Eyed Cryptantha HOA-friendly?

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

Yellow-Eyed Cryptantha

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Oreocarya flavoculata

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Yellow-Eyed Cryptantha (Oreocarya flavoculata) 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 × 3"–8" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, ID and 5 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 452 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 Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range Northwestern Forested Mountains North American Deserts Southern Rockies

Yellow-eyed forget-me-not is a compact native perennial that forms small cushions of gray-green foliage. It produces clusters of tiny white or pale yellow flowers from May through July, creating delicate spring and early summer color.

In an HOA neighborhood

Yellow-Eyed 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 and can appear sparse in formal settings
May look weedy or unkempt to unfamiliar viewers
Unknown dormancy appearance creates uncertainty

Wildlife value

This native wildflower attracts native bees and beetles during its blooming period. Its small stature makes it valuable for supporting pollinators in rock gardens and xeriscaped areas.

Common questions

How much sun does Yellow-Eyed Cryptantha need?: Yellow-Eyed Cryptantha grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Yellow-Eyed Cryptantha bloom?: Yellow-Eyed Cryptantha blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Yellow-Eyed Cryptantha native?: Yellow-Eyed Cryptantha (Oreocarya flavoculata) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 5 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Yellow-Eyed Cryptantha attract?: Yellow-Eyed Cryptantha draws bees and beetles.
Is Yellow-Eyed Cryptantha HOA-friendly?: Yellow-Eyed 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.

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 Yellow-Eyed 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

Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz