Vascular Plants of the Gila Wilderness
Presented in Association with the
Western New Mexico University Department
of Natural Sciences
Cryptantha barbigera (Gray) Greene
(Bearded Cat's Eye)
Family: Boraginaceae
Status: Native
Synonyms:
Eritrichium barbigera Gray
Cryptantha barbigera is a small, hairy herb differentiated from others in the same species by
the presence of four identical, tuberculate nutlets. This is a lower elevation species found in
dry arroyos. It has a more low, spreading growth habit than C. pterocarya var. cycloptera and
C. cinerea. C. micrantha has a similar growth habit, but is easily distinguished by its minute
flowers and the long, scape-like flowering pedicels.
Please click on an image for a larger file.
Cryptantha barbigera, photo Russ Kleinman & Richard Felger, Burro Mtns., Engineer Cyn., Apr. 22, 2008
Cryptantha barbigera, four identical bumpy nutlets (no wings or projecting style),
photo Russ Kleinman & Richard Felger, Burro Mtns., Engineer Cyn., Apr. 22, 2008
Cryptantha barbigera, growth habit, photo Russ Kleinman, Burro Mtns., Engineer Cyn., March 28, 2009
Cryptantha barbigera, detail of flowers, photo Russ Kleinman, Burro Mtns., Engineer Cyn., March 28, 2009
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