Plant · GBIF taxon 7161662
beach suncup
Camissoniopsis cheiranthifoliaAlso known as Beach Evening Primrose
Beach suncup sprawls across coastal sand dunes, anchoring itself with deep taproots that withstand shifting winds and salt spray. Its silvery gray foliage is coated in dense hairs that trap moisture and reflect intense coastal sunlight, while brilliant yellow four-petaled flowers open during the day to attract native pollinators. As a pioneering mat-former, it stabilizes loose sand and plays a vital role in building dune ecosystems along the Pacific shore.
CoastalWildflowerDune Stabilizer
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Sunlight
- Water
- Soil Minerals
Predators
- Caterpillars
- Small Rodents
- Snails
ThreatsCoastal development, invasive ice plant competition, trampling from beach visitors
HabitatsCoastal sand dunes, sandy beach bluffs, coastal strand
Life spanPerennial (short-lived) or annual
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyOnagraceae
- SpeciesCamissoniopsis cheiranthifolia
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
- What to notice
- Recognizable by silvery gray prostrate foliage and vibrant yellow four-petaled blossoms sprawling on open beach sand.
- Support conservation
- Stay on designated paths and boardwalks to avoid trampling sensitive root systems and shifting dune sand.
Responsible observation
- Dune Etiquette: Avoid stepping on sprawling mats when walking along sandy beach dunes.
- Best Viewing: Look for open yellow flowers on sunny mornings and middays along coastal bluffs.
- Photography: Capture close-up shots of the silver foliage and red-tinged stems against white sand.
Frequent Companion (c) Eric in SF, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Competitor (c) Alvesgaspar, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Frequent Companion (c) Ken-ichi Ueda, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Millie Basden, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Family Member (c) Jeff Lahr, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Jeff Lahr · cc-by
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