Thompson's Cryptantha

The leaves form a low basal rosette or cluster of rosettes. Individual leaves are linear and gray-green, and are covered with short white hairs, interspersed with much longer hairs especially near the leaf edge (ciliate). The largest basal leaf is about 4–7 cm long and 5–10 mm wide, with progressively smaller leaves higher on the rosette. Flower stems arise from the base of the leaf rosette and are 20–40 cm tall, bearing clusters of small flowers with 5 white petals and a yellow center. The peduncle (flower stalk) bears additional alternate leaves, which often bear smaller flower clusters from their axil. The flower clusters and stems are densely covered with very prominent translucent white trichomes.

Oreocarya thompsonii is found on high rocky slopes, usually associated with serpentine rock.