Erythranthe carsonensis
Carson valley monkeyflower
(c) Jim Morefield, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Jim Morefield · licence
Family: Phrymaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.1
Erythranthe carsonensis (Carson valley monkeyflower) is a native California herb in the Phrymaceae family, recognized by rare species (1B.1) with yellow flowers marked with red on lower lip.
Carson valley monkeyflower is a rare (CNPS 1B.1) California native annual found in the Great Basin region in sagebrush and bitterbrush scrub at elevations of 1,400 to 1,580 meters. Flowering from April to June, this delicate plant produces yellow flowers with distinctive red markings on the lower lip, creating a striking contrast against its small size. Growing as a tiny plant just 1 to 7 centimeters tall with sparsely glandular stems, it thrives in coarse granite soils. Its leaves are narrow, ranging from 3 to 17 millimeters long and 1 to 5 millimeters wide, with a linear to spoon-shaped form. The fruit is compact, measuring 3 to 6 millimeters in length, nestled in a membranous calyx with small, acute lobes.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Geographically isolated; rare species (1B.1) with yellow flowers marked with red on lower lip
Habitat and range
Habitat: Coarse granite soils in sagebrush/bitterbrush scrub
Elevation: 1400-1580 m
Outside California: Nevada (near Carson City)
Bloom period
Erythranthe carsonensis blooms Apr-Jun.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.1
Frequently asked questions
Is Erythranthe carsonensis native to California?
Yes. Erythranthe carsonensis is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Erythranthe carsonensis bloom?
Erythranthe carsonensis blooms Apr-Jun.
What plant family does Erythranthe carsonensis belong to?
Erythranthe carsonensis is in the Phrymaceae family, genus Erythranthe.
Is Erythranthe carsonensis rare or endangered?
Erythranthe carsonensis carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.1, state rank S1.
What habitat does Erythranthe carsonensis grow in?
Erythranthe carsonensis grows in Coarse granite soils in sagebrush/bitterbrush scrub.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CDFW CNDDB
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.