Erythranthe montioides
Montia-like monkeyflower
(c) Ryan Elliott, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Ryan Elliott · licence
Family: Phrymaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Erythranthe montioides (Montia-like monkeyflower) is a native California herb in the Phrymaceae family, recognized by tiny annual with linear leaves.
Montia-like monkeyflower is a California native annual found in the southern Sierra Nevada Mountains and White and Inyo Mountains in open areas along small streams and understory of coniferous forest at elevations of 1,600 to 2,900 meters. Flowering from June to August, this plant produces yellow flowers with a tube-throat 6 to 11 millimeters long and distinctive small lobes. Growing with delicate stems 1 to 15 centimeters tall and slightly hairy throughout, the plant has a slender, sparse appearance. Its leaves are narrow and small, measuring 4 to 25 millimeters long and 0.5 to 2 millimeters wide, ranging from linear to lanceolate in shape. The fruit is a small capsule 3 to 5 millimeters in length, developing within a membranous calyx.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Geographically isolated; tiny annual with linear leaves
Habitat and range
Habitat: Open areas along small streams, generally in granitic soils, understory of coniferous forest
Elevation: 1600-2900 m
Outside California: near Carson City, Nevada.
Bloom period
Erythranthe montioides blooms Jun-Aug.
Frequently asked questions
Is Erythranthe montioides native to California?
Yes. Erythranthe montioides is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Erythranthe montioides bloom?
Erythranthe montioides blooms Jun-Aug.
What plant family does Erythranthe montioides belong to?
Erythranthe montioides is in the Phrymaceae family, genus Erythranthe.
What habitat does Erythranthe montioides grow in?
Erythranthe montioides grows in Open areas along small streams, generally in granitic soils, understory of coniferous forest.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-08
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.