Common cryptantha, Quill cryptantha, Side grooved cryptantha
2008 Steve Matson 2008 Steve Matson 2008 Steve Matson 2008 Steve Matson 2018 Diane Etchison 2019 Diane Etchison 2025 SJSU - Carl W. Sharsmith Herbarium, San Jose State University 2025 SJSU - Carl W. Sharsmith Herbarium, San Jose State University 2025 SDSU - Vascular Plants of the San Diego State University Herbarium 2023 Matt Berger 2025 UCJEPS - University and Jepson Herbaria, University of California, Berkeley
Cryptantha affinis is an annual herb that is native to California, and also found elsewhere in western North America.
[Wikipedia] Range, Toxicity, Ecology: Distribution
Cryptantha affinis is native to California. Its distribution is from the Klamath, North coast, and Cascade Mountain Ranges. It also occurs in the Sierra Nevada, San Bernardino, and Warner Mountains and as far as Washington to Wyoming.[2]
Most plants appear to be toxic due to their high levels of alkaloids and nitrates.
Ecology
Cryptantha affinis physiology appears to be influenced by nutrients of deer excretions. Increased photosynthesis and higher plant nitrogen levels have been observed in habitats frequented by mule deer, antelope, and elk. Higher nutrients appear to increase growth and reproduction in wet years. In dry years survival is increased by the shading of Cryptantha by the presence of large shrubs. Although shading increases survival in dry years, in wet years growth and reproduction seem to be reduced even when nutrient levels in the soil are high.[3]
Cryptantha species are dominant annuals in a wide range of habitats.[4] In habitats where Cryptantha is a dominant species, fire intensity reduces its density.[5] (link added by Mary Ann Machi)
/app/up/entry/216/th/64833.jpg:!/app/up/entry/216/th/64834.jpg:!/app/up/entry/216/th/64832.jpg:!/app/up/entry/216/th/64831.jpg:!/app/up/entry/63/th/19117.jpg:!/app/up/entry/99/th/29827.jpg:!https://cch2.org/imglib/cch2/SJSU/00011/Cryptantha_affinis-Tilden1494-_1617383232_tn.jpg:!https://cch2.org/imglib/cch2/SJSU/00011/Cryptantha_affinis-Tilden1494-_1617383201_tn.jpg:!https://cch2.org/imglib/cch2/SDSU/SDSU23/Cryptantha_affinis-MGSimpson47_1658465933_tn.jpg:!/app/up/entry/706/th/211985.jpg:!https://cch2.org/imglib/cch2/UCJEPS_VASC/JEPS33/content_1687551818_tn.jpg:!
2008 Steve Matson:!2008 Steve Matson:!2008 Steve Matson:!2008 Steve Matson:!2018 Diane Etchison:!2019 Diane Etchison:!2025 SJSU - Carl W. Sharsmith Herbarium, San Jose State University:!2025 SJSU - Carl W. Sharsmith Herbarium, San Jose State University:!2025 SDSU - Vascular Plants of the San Diego State University Herbarium:!2023 Matt Berger:!2025 UCJEPS - University and Jepson Herbaria, University of California, Berkeley:!
mu8365:!mu8365:!mu8365:!mu8365:!po92596:!po136114:!246350:!246350:!5537850:!mu44949:!3162720:!
Suggested Citation
Calflora:
Information on California plants for education, research and conservation,
with data contributed by
public and private institutions and individuals.
[web application]. 2025.The Calflora Database
[a non-profit organization].Available:
https://www.calflora.org/(Accessed: 07/19/2025).