General: James' Cryptantha (Cryptantha cinerea) is a low-growing perennial forb with linear leaves covered by hairs that dry to become prickles. The flowers are are white with yellow centers, and the five petals are fused at the base.

James' Cryptantha is a fairly common component of desert mountain communities. Around Las Vegas, look for this species in the Yellow Pine Forest (Transition) life zone up on Mt. Charleston and in the Desert National Wildlife Refuge.

Family: Forget-Me-Not (Boraginaceae).