Erythranthe gracilipes
Slender-stalked monkeyflower
(c) Trevor Van Loon, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Trevor Van Loon · licence
Family: Phrymaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.2
Erythranthe gracilipes (Slender-stalked monkeyflower) is a native California herb in the Phrymaceae family, recognized by tiny size and habitat specificity.
Slender-stalked monkeyflower is a rare (CNPS 1B.2) California native annual found in the central Sierra Nevada Foothills in disturbed or burned areas on decomposed granite at elevations of 500 to 1,300 meters. Flowering from April to May, this plant produces delicate rose to pink flowers with upper petals much reduced and a flower limb 5 to 9 millimeters wide. Growing diminutively at 2 to 8 centimeters tall with puberulent stems, it has a compact and understated form. Its leaves are small, measuring 3 to 13 millimeters long, with an elliptic to ovate shape that complements its petite stature. Flower pedicels range 8 to 25 millimeters long, with a calyx 4 to 6 millimeters in length and lobes that are densely ciliate and obtuse to rounded.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 12 sympatric species; distinguished by tiny size and habitat specificity
Habitat and range
Habitat: Disturbed or burned areas on decomposed granite
Elevation: 500-1300 m
Bloom period
Erythranthe gracilipes blooms Apr-May.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.2
Frequently asked questions
Is Erythranthe gracilipes native to California?
Yes. Erythranthe gracilipes is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Erythranthe gracilipes bloom?
Erythranthe gracilipes blooms Apr-May.
What plant family does Erythranthe gracilipes belong to?
Erythranthe gracilipes is in the Phrymaceae family, genus Erythranthe.
Is Erythranthe gracilipes rare or endangered?
Erythranthe gracilipes carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.2, state rank S2.
What habitat does Erythranthe gracilipes grow in?
Erythranthe gracilipes grows in Disturbed or burned areas on decomposed granite.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos · 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.