• East view from Crissy Field overlook with old Coast Guard station on left and city on right

    Presidio of San Francisco

    California

Coast Cryptantha or Popcorn Flower

(Cryptantha leiocarpa)
 
Coast Cryptantha or Popcorn Flower
Coast Cryptantha at Lobos Creek dunes.
Will Elder, NPS
 

Origin Of Genus Name: From the Greek cryptos, "hidden," and anthos, "flower," and thus meaning "hidden flower," a reference to the first known species which had small inconspicuous flowers which self-fertilized without opening.

Presidio Locations: Found on coastal dunes and dune scrub.

Range In State: Coastal California.

Description: This native annual has clusters of tiny white flowers with 5 petals and bristly hairs. The blade-like leaves are on stems reaching is up to 2 feet in height. Blooms April to June.

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Did You Know?

The Presidio Fire Station

In the aftermath of a tragic fire that killed four family members of General John Pershing, the army built a fire station at the Presidio.  The new Presidio Fire Station was the first on any U.S. Army post to house a permanent fire company with trained firefighters.