Mojave Sun Cup, Field Primrose
Camissonia campestrisThe Mojave Sun Cup, also called Field Primrose, is a bright and cheerful wildflower native to the Mojave Desert and surrounding regions in California. It belongs to the evening primrose family (Onagraceae) and is known for adding splashes of yellow to the desert landscape, especially in spring.
Appearance:
This low-growing plant usually stays between 6 to 12 inches tall. It produces bright yellow flowers with four petals, sometimes marked with tiny red spots near the base. The flowers open during the day and may close as temperatures rise.
Habitat:
Mojave Sun Cup thrives in sandy or gravelly soils—common in desert flats and low hills. It’s typically found in open areas where it takes advantage of space and sunlight, especially after winter rains.
Bloom Time:
It blooms early in the spring, usually between February and May, depending on rainfall and local conditions.
Pollinators:
This plant attracts a variety of pollinators, including bees, moths, and butterflies. Its bright blooms stand out in the dry desert, helping draw in the insects it depends on for reproduction.
Note:
The Mojave Sun Cup is a great example of how desert plants adapt to tough conditions—timing their growth and bloom to the brief window of moisture available in early spring.
Photo taken at Joshua Tree National Park