Camissoniopsis cheiranthifolia (Hornem. ex Spreng.) W.L.Wagner & Hoch

Common Name and Growth Form

Camissoniopsis cheiranthifolia, commonly known as beach suncup, grows prostrate along beach surfaces and forms mats over 1 meter across.

Stem and Leaf Morphology

It produces long stems from a central crown, lined with silvery grey-green leaves.

Environmental Adaptation

Its prostrate growth habit and flexible swinging stems let this plant thrive well on the windy, shifting sands of coastal environments.

Flower Opening Trait

Its four-petaled flowers open in the morning, which is a typical trait for suncups.

Flower Coloration

The flowers are bright yellow when they first open, and fade to reddish as they age.

Habitat and Distribution

This species grows in coastal dunes and sandy soils, ranging from southern Oregon through California, extending south to El Rosario in Baja California.