Fauna
Plant

Beach Suncup

Camissoniopsis cheiranthifolia

Also known as Beach Evening Primrose

Beach suncups form low, sprawling mats across Pacific coastal dunes, anchoring loose sands with deep taproots. Silvery, downy foliage reflects intense sunlight and traps ocean mist, protecting the plant from drying onshore winds. Bright yellow blossoms open early in the day, gradually turning deep reddish-orange after pollination.

Dune SpecialistYellow BloomsCoastal Native
Beach Suncup reference1 / 7
(c) Gabriel Campbell-Martinez, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyAutotrophic
Predators
  • Herbivorous Insects
  • Small Mammals
  • Snails
ThreatsHabitat loss, invasive iceplant, foot traffic
HabitatsCoastal dunes, sandy beach strands, coastal bluffs
Life span1–5 years
Classification
  1. FamilyOnagraceae
  2. SpeciesCamissoniopsis cheiranthifolia
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
What to notice
Look for low, grey-green hairy mats bearing bright yellow four-petaled flowers directly on open beach sand.
Support conservation
Stay on established dune walkways and avoid stepping on sprawling stems or disturbing sand slopes.
Responsible observation
  • Observe from Boardwalks: Stay on designated paths to avoid crushing the fragile dune mats.
  • Look for Flowers: Bright yellow blossoms open in the morning and age to red or orange.
  • Check the Leaves: Dense silvery hairs coat the foliage to trap moisture and reflect sunlight.
Related species
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