Erythranthe filicifolia
Fernleaf monkeyflower
(c) Trevor Van Loon, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Phrymaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.2
Erythranthe filicifolia (Fernleaf monkeyflower) is a native California herb in the Phrymaceae family, recognized by distinctive fern-like dissected leaves on granite seeps.
Fernleaf monkeyflower is a rare (CNPS 1B.2) California native annual found in ephemeral seeps on granite slabs at elevations of 350 to 1,600 meters. Flowering from April to August, this plant produces pale yellow flowers with delicate, open corollas 4 to 8 millimeters long. Growing with slender stems 3 to 38 centimeters tall, the plant is distinctively glabrous with an elegant, branching form. Its leaves are uniquely dissected, ranging from 3 to 68 millimeters long, with oblanceolate to ovate blades that are at least partially 2-pinnately divided. The fruit develops 3 to 8 millimeters long, with a distinctive asymmetrically swollen calyx and unequal lobes that curve upward.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Geographically isolated; distinctive fern-like dissected leaves on granite seeps
Habitat and range
Habitat: Ephemeral seeps on granite slabs
Elevation: 350-1600 m
Bloom period
Erythranthe filicifolia blooms Apr-Aug.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.2
Frequently asked questions
Is Erythranthe filicifolia native to California?
Yes. Erythranthe filicifolia is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Erythranthe filicifolia bloom?
Erythranthe filicifolia blooms Apr-Aug.
What plant family does Erythranthe filicifolia belong to?
Erythranthe filicifolia is in the Phrymaceae family, genus Erythranthe.
Is Erythranthe filicifolia rare or endangered?
Erythranthe filicifolia carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.2, state rank S2.
What habitat does Erythranthe filicifolia grow in?
Erythranthe filicifolia grows in Ephemeral seeps on granite slabs.
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.