Erythranthe sierrae
Sierra nevada monkeyflower
(c) Emily Chebul, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · licence
Family: Phrymaceae · Type: Annual · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 4.2
Erythranthe sierrae (Sierra nevada monkeyflower) is a native California annual in the Phrymaceae family, recognized by pink corolla with yellow throat folds distinctive.
Sierra nevada monkeyflower is a native annual herb ranked 4.2 by CNPS, found in Sierra Nevada mountain regions in granitic soils within vernally wet depressions and creek edges at elevations of 200 to 2,100 meters. Flowering from March to July, this plant produces delicate pink flowers with yellow throat-floor folds and white stamens. Growing 4 to 20 centimeters tall with a slightly puberulent appearance, it forms small compact plants in moist mountain environments. Its leaves range from 3 to 23 millimeters long, varying from linear to oblanceolate and can be either entire or lightly toothed. The fruit measures 3 to 5 millimeters in length, complementing the plant's diminutive and delicate structure.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Geographically isolated; pink corolla with yellow throat folds distinctive
Habitat and range
Habitat: Granitic soils in vernally wet depressions, edges of creeks
Elevation: 200-2100 m
Bloom period
Erythranthe sierrae blooms Mar-Jul.
Conservation status
CNPS 4.2
Frequently asked questions
Is Erythranthe sierrae native to California?
Yes. Erythranthe sierrae is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Erythranthe sierrae bloom?
Erythranthe sierrae blooms Mar-Jul.
What plant family does Erythranthe sierrae belong to?
Erythranthe sierrae is in the Phrymaceae family, genus Erythranthe.
Is Erythranthe sierrae rare or endangered?
Erythranthe sierrae carries California Rare Plant Rank 4.2, state rank S2.
What habitat does Erythranthe sierrae grow in?
Erythranthe sierrae grows in Granitic soils in vernally wet depressions, edges of creeks.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CDFW CNDDB
Last updated 2026-09-30
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.