Sun Cup (Taraxia ovata) is in the evening primrose family family (Onagraceae). Across the U.S., iNaturalist users have logged 1,260 research-grade flowering observations of it in our sample, peaking in March.
Nationally it blooms mainly from March to April, but timing varies a lot by state and elevation — see the table below.
When to photograph Sun Cup: observations by month (U.S.)
About Sun Cup
Taraxia ovata is a species of wildflower native to California and Oregon known by the common name goldeneggs or sun cup.From Wikipedia via iNaturalist — article, CC BY-SA.
Sun Cup by state
| State | Observations | Peak month | Main season |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 1,260 | March | Mar–Apr |
Main season = months with at least 30% of the state's peak-month count.
Related wildflowers (evening primrose family)
Fireweed
California fuchsia
Pinkladies
Browneyes
Ruby Chalice Clarkia
Winecup Clarkia
California primrose
Broadleaf Enchanter's Nightshade
Photography tips
- Photograph flowers on calm, overcast mornings to avoid wind blur and harsh shadows.
- Get low: a shallow depth of field (f/2.8–f/5.6) isolates a bloom against soft color.
- Stay on trails — trampling meadows kills plants and ruins next year's display.
- Try a kaleidoscope abstract of a single bloom with our online kaleidoscope tool.
FAQ
When is the best time to photograph Sun Cup?
Nationally, March has the most observations, with the main season from March to April.
Where is Sun Cup most often seen?
The most observations come from California.