Erythranthe arenicola
Beach monkeyflower
Family: Phrymaceae · Type: Annual · Native
Erythranthe arenicola (Beach monkeyflower) is a native California annual in the Phrymaceae family, recognized by coastal habitat specialist 0-100m elevation.
Beach monkeyflower is a California native annual found along sandy coastal habitats in coastal regions at elevations of 0 to 100 meters. Flowering from April to August, this plant produces bright yellow flowers with a distinctive tubular shape, exserted 4 to 8 millimeters beyond the calyx. Growing with erect or rarely prostrate glandular-hairy stems 3 to 17 centimeters tall, it has a delicate and compact structure. Its leaves are small, measuring 5 to 17 millimeters long, ovate to round with crenate edges and becoming progressively smaller toward the stem's tip. The plant produces asymmetrically swollen fruits 5 to 12 millimeters long, with unequal calyx lobes that curve upward when mature.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Geographically isolated; coastal habitat specialist 0-100m elevation
Habitat and range
Habitat: Sandy beaches, sea cliffs
Elevation: 0-100 m
Bloom period
Erythranthe arenicola blooms Apr-Aug.
Frequently asked questions
Is Erythranthe arenicola native to California?
Yes. Erythranthe arenicola is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Erythranthe arenicola bloom?
Erythranthe arenicola blooms Apr-Aug.
What plant family does Erythranthe arenicola belong to?
Erythranthe arenicola is in the Phrymaceae family, genus Erythranthe.
What habitat does Erythranthe arenicola grow in?
Erythranthe arenicola grows in Sandy beaches, sea cliffs.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora
Last updated 2026-09-30
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.