Sun Cup
ExplorePlants
Sun Cup
Taraxia ovata
The Sun Cup is a bright yellow flower that loves to soak up the sun! It blooms in warm weather and can often be found in fields and meadows, bringing joy to everyone who sees it.
Habitat: Grasslands
Appearance
The Sun Cup has bright yellow, dandelion-like flowers that sit atop leafless stems, resembling small, cheerful cups. Its leaves form a flat rosette close to the ground, often with wavy or toothed edges. It visually stands out with its solitary, vibrant blooms.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderMyrtalesFamilyOnagraceaeGenusTaraxia
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
Even though it's called a 'cup,' it's actually part of the dandelion family!
Its bright yellow flowers are like little solar panels, attracting helpful insects!
Many animals, including people, can eat different parts of this plant!
The leaves grow flat on the ground to help collect dew and moisture.
Special abilities
Ability
Solar Tracker
Sun Cup can track the sun across the sky with its flowers, helping it absorb more energy for growth and seed production.
Ability
Tough Roots
Sun Cup has a strong taproot that helps it grow in poor, compacted soils and find water deep underground.
Ability
Windy Wanderer
Sun Cup produces fluffy seeds that can float on the wind, allowing them to spread far and wide to new places.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 10-40 cm
- Spread
- 15-30 cm
- Flower Size
- 1-3 cm
- Bloom Season
- Spring to early Summer
- Edible
- Yes
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Annual
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
pollinates
Honey Bee
Apis mellifera
collects nectar and pollen
pollinates
Yellow-faced Bumblebee
Bombus vosnesenskii
gathers nectar and pollen
eaten by
Desert Cottontail
Sylvilagus audubonii
browses on leaves and stems
Traits
Flowering
Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.
Summer Blooming
Summer blooming plants produce their flowers during the summer season, often providing vibrant color when many other plants have finished.
Fragrant Flower
Fragrant flowers emit a pleasant aroma, often to attract pollinators or for defense.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Grassland
Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Also known as
California Sun Cup
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always look but don't pick flowers in nature, so they can keep growing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Sun Cup?
10-40 cm
How wide does Sun Cup spread?
15-30 cm
How big are the flowers on Sun Cup?
1-3 cm
When does Sun Cup bloom?
Spring to early Summer
Is Sun Cup edible?
Yes
Is Sun Cup toxic?
None
What is Sun Cup's lifecycle?
Annual
How is Sun Cup pollinated?
Insect
Snap Map
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Recent Snaps
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