Erythranthe latidens
Broad-tooth monkeyflower
(c) Trevor Van Loon, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Phrymaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Erythranthe latidens (Broad-tooth monkeyflower) is a native California herb in the Phrymaceae family, recognized by pale flowers and strongly inflated membranous fruits.
Broad-tooth monkeyflower is a California native annual found in the North Coast Ranges Interior, Great Valley, Central Western California, and eastern Southern California Coast in vernally wet depressions at elevations below 900 meters. Flowering from April to June, this plant produces pale pink to white flowers with yellow throat tones, typically 4 to 6 millimeters wide. Growing 10 to 27 centimeters tall with branching near the base, the plant forms a distinctive basal rosette of petioled leaves. Its leaves range from 4 to 25 millimeters long, generally lanceolate to ovate, with sessile upper leaves having rounded bases. The fruit develops 7 to 8 millimeters long, with a strongly swollen, pleated, and membranous calyx in late stages.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 13 sympatric species; distinguished by pale flowers and strongly inflated membranous fruits
Habitat and range
Habitat: Vernally wet depressions
Elevation: < 900 m
Outside California: Baja California
Bloom period
Erythranthe latidens blooms Apr-Jun.
Frequently asked questions
Is Erythranthe latidens native to California?
Yes. Erythranthe latidens is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Erythranthe latidens bloom?
Erythranthe latidens blooms Apr-Jun.
What plant family does Erythranthe latidens belong to?
Erythranthe latidens is in the Phrymaceae family, genus Erythranthe.
What habitat does Erythranthe latidens grow in?
Erythranthe latidens grows in Vernally wet depressions.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
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.