Collinsia heterophylla var. austromontana
Downy chinese-houses, Downy Chinese-Houses
Photo: parent species Collinsia heterophylla · (c) Steve Matson, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Plantaginaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Collinsia heterophylla var. austromontana (Downy chinese-houses) is a native California herb in the Plantaginaceae family, recognized by hairy leaf undersides and unequal lips diagnostic.
Downy chinese-houses is a California native annual found in the Santa Ana Mountains, San Gabriel Mountains, and Peninsular Ranges in shady places within chaparral and mixed woodland at elevations of 300 to 1,700 meters. Flowering from May to August, this plant produces delicate lavender and white flowers with an upper lip smaller than the lower lip, creating a distinctive two-lipped appearance. Growing with slender stems 10 to 30 centimeters tall, it forms an elegant and airy presence in its woodland habitat. Its leaves are sparsely hairy on the undersides, giving the plant a soft, textured appearance with varying leaf shapes along the stem. The flowers, measuring 10 to 15 millimeters long, create charming clusters that attract pollinators in the dappled light of its woodland home.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 11 sympatric species; hairy leaf undersides and unequal lips diagnostic
Habitat and range
Habitat: Shady places in chaparral, mixed woodland
Elevation: 300-1700 m
Bloom period
Collinsia heterophylla var. austromontana blooms May-Aug.
How to tell it apart
vs Penstemon: Collinsia has stamens hidden in keeled lower lip; Penstemon has stamens visible with one sterile 'beard.'; vs Stachys: Collinsia has a keeled lower petal hiding stamens; Stachys has square stems and flowers in tight whorls.; vs Lupinus: Collinsia has snapdragon-like flowers; Lupinus has pea-family flowers with banner, wings, and keel.; vs Linaria: Collinsia has keeled lower lip hiding stamens; Linaria has spurred flowers with protruding stamens.
Frequently asked questions
Is Collinsia heterophylla var. austromontana native to California?
Yes. Collinsia heterophylla var. austromontana is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Collinsia heterophylla var. austromontana bloom?
Collinsia heterophylla var. austromontana blooms May-Aug.
What plant family does Collinsia heterophylla var. austromontana belong to?
Collinsia heterophylla var. austromontana is in the Plantaginaceae family, genus Collinsia.
What habitat does Collinsia heterophylla var. austromontana grow in?
Collinsia heterophylla var. austromontana grows in Shady places in chaparral, mixed woodland.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.