Erythranthe calcicola
Limestone monkeyflower
(c) Jim Morefield, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Phrymaceae · Type: Annual · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.3
Erythranthe calcicola (Limestone monkeyflower) is a native California annual in the Phrymaceae family, recognized by rare species (1B.3) with yellow or white flowers.
Limestone monkeyflower is a rare (CNPS 1B.3) California native annual found in disturbed areas along small streams with granitic soils in rocky mountain environments at elevations of 900 to 2,100 meters. Flowering from April to June, this plant produces delicate yellow or white flowers with notched petals on slender pedicels. Growing as a small, glandular-puberulent plant 2 to 15 centimeters tall with branching habit, it appears delicate and low-growing in its rocky habitats. Its leaves are small and variable, ranging from 3 to 25 millimeters long and 2 to 10 millimeters wide, typically lanceolate to ovate in shape. The fruit develops 3 to 8 millimeters long, with a membranous calyx that remains attached.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Geographically isolated; rare species (1B.3) with yellow or white flowers
Habitat and range
Habitat: Disturbed areas along small streams, generally in granitic soils
Elevation: 900-2100 m
Outside California: Nevada
Bloom period
Erythranthe calcicola blooms Apr-Jun.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.3
Frequently asked questions
Is Erythranthe calcicola native to California?
Yes. Erythranthe calcicola is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Erythranthe calcicola bloom?
Erythranthe calcicola blooms Apr-Jun.
What plant family does Erythranthe calcicola belong to?
Erythranthe calcicola is in the Phrymaceae family, genus Erythranthe.
Is Erythranthe calcicola rare or endangered?
Erythranthe calcicola carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.3, state rank S3.
What habitat does Erythranthe calcicola grow in?
Erythranthe calcicola grows in Disturbed areas along small streams, generally in granitic soils.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CDFW CNDDB
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.