A dark red spot at the base of the petals distinguish it from others in the genus. Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, Laguna Niguel, CA. 4-05-08. © Joan Avise

Sun Cup

Camissoniopsis bistorta
(= Camissonia bistorta)

A widespread annual on sandy soils in open and disturbed areas, coastal bluffs, dunes and chaparral near the coast.  Stems are prostrate with a reddish tinge.  Flowers are an inch across in leaf axils. 

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Emerald Ridge and Boat Cyn, 1-5-12. © Ron Vanderhoff.

Emerald Ridge and Boat Cyn, 1-5-12. © Ron Vanderhoff.

Bommer Cyn. 3-7-10. © Ron Vanderhoff.

Eight stamens and ball-shaped stigma. Emerald Ridge and Boat Cyn, 1-5-12. © Ron Vanderhoff.

Bolsa Chica Wetlands, Huntington Beach, CA. 4-06-08. © Joan Avise

Wilderness Park, Coto de Caza, Orange Co., CA. 3-08-08. © Joan Avise

Basal rosette of leaves, young plant. San Juan Loop Trail, Cleveland National Forest, Riverside Co., CA. 3-29-08. © Joan Avise

Emerald Ridge and Boat Cyn, 1-5-12. © Ron Vanderhoff.

Crystal Cove State Beach, Laguna Beach, CA. 3-21-09. © Joan Avise

Prostrate, reddish stems. Bolsa Chica Wetlands, Huntington Beach, CA. 3-15-09. © Joan Avise

Riley Wilderness Park, Coto de Caza, Orange Co., CA. 3-08-08. © Joan Avise

Behind Candy Store, Hwy 74, 4-18-10. © Ron Vanderhoff.

In sand on bluffs overlooking beach. Crystal Cove State Beach, Laguna Beach, CA. 3-21-09. © Joan Avise

Ridge, .5 mi. SE Aliso Pk, nr Le Conte St., 2-27-11. © Ron Vanderhoff.

Camissoniopsis bistorta L, Camissoniopsis micranthus R, Vic. Borrego Cyn. Wash, W 241, Irvine, 3-29-15. © Ron Vanderhoff.

James Dilley Psrve., 5-2-13. © Ron Vanderhoff.