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

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

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Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 432 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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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.

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

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