Erythranthe arenaria
Sand-loving monkeyflower
(c) Trevor Van Loon, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Trevor Van Loon · licence
Family: Phrymaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Erythranthe arenaria (Sand-loving monkeyflower) is a native California herb in the Phrymaceae family, recognized by found on sandy flats and washes.
Sand-loving monkeyflower is a California native annual found in sandy habitats of the central and southern coastal regions in sandy flats, sand bars, washes, and seasonal creek beds at elevations of 500 to 2,600 meters. Flowering from May to September, this plant produces bright yellow flowers with slender pedicels 10 to 23 millimeters long. Growing with erect to ascending hairy stems 5 to 20 centimeters tall, it has a somewhat sticky appearance. Its leaves are small, elliptic to lance-elliptic, 5 to 12 millimeters long with rounded to tapered bases. The fruit is 4 to 7 millimeters long, complementing the plant's delicate structure.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Geographically isolated; found on sandy flats and washes
Habitat and range
Habitat: Sandy flats, sand bars, washes, seasonal creek beds
Elevation: 500-2600 m
Bloom period
Erythranthe arenaria blooms May-Sep.
Frequently asked questions
Is Erythranthe arenaria native to California?
Yes. Erythranthe arenaria is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Erythranthe arenaria bloom?
Erythranthe arenaria blooms May-Sep.
What plant family does Erythranthe arenaria belong to?
Erythranthe arenaria is in the Phrymaceae family, genus Erythranthe.
What habitat does Erythranthe arenaria grow in?
Erythranthe arenaria grows in Sandy flats, sand bars, washes, seasonal creek beds.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora
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.