Occasional observations on the wildflowers of 91011.
What’s in a name? In the case of Spotted Hideseed (Eucrypta chrysanthemifolia), the answer might well be “too much” and “not enough.” But before we dissect the name(s) of this plant, you need to know this all-important fact: Spotted Hideseed is simply charming! Which means it’s well worth looking for.
Spotted Hideseed is a small white flower with exquisitely lacy leaves that might remind you of a delicate fern — though the Latin chrysanthemifolia implies that the intricately divided leaves also resemble chrysanthemum leaves. Okay, that’s helpful. On the other hand, eucrypta (“well hidden”) is rather obscure. But an explanation is hinted at by “hideseed.” If, later in summer, you were to open the seed capsule, you’d find what you’d expect: seeds, in this case somewhat large and wrinkled. What you would not expect, however, is a second set of seeds: small and smooth, and hidden behind these larger seeds! (No one seems sure why there are these two types of seeds.)
Both eucrypta and “hideseed” thus point to a fascinating aspect of this flower that is, alas, completely (and ironically) hidden to the gaze of passers-by. What about “spotted”? Sorry to say, that part of the name points to the random white spots that are found on the leaves of a variety found further inland — but not on our plants here! Honestly, our variety ought to be called Spotless Hideseed, but y’know, no one ever asks me.
The good news, though, is that this cumbersomely-named flower is indeed a charmer. Those lacy leaves are gorgeous, and the petite blossoms (well under half an inch) are graceful, as well as variable. The petals may be pure white, but just as often they are marked by reddish-purple streaks. The throat of the blossom ranges from yellow-green to fairly bright yellow. All in all, “Spotted” Hideseed is a cheerful native wildflower that graces many a shady trail at Cherry Canyon and in other canyons nearby.
Where and when to find it. With a few exceptions, Spotted Hideseed is found in the southern third of California and favors coastal scrub, chaparral, and oak woodlands. Statewide, it blooms from March into June, though it may be a month earlier around here. You’re most likely to find it on shady or north-facing slopes in somewhat moist soil. The Conservancy Trail is a reliable place to look, but so are the hillsides that flank the steeper grades of the Descanso Fire Road.
- For more about Spotted Hideseed, visit Wikipedia.
- For information about growing Eucrypta chrysanthemifolia, visit Calscape.org.
- For distribution maps, taxonomy, and more photos, visit Calflora.org.
- You can also read other wildflower notes, or check out the LCF wildflower directory.
