Erythranthe taylorii
Shasta limestone monkeyflower
(c) Matt Berger, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Matt Berger · licence
Family: Phrymaceae · Type: Annual · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.1
Erythranthe taylorii (Shasta limestone monkeyflower) is a native California annual in the Phrymaceae family, recognized by waxy-white papillae on calyx diagnostic.
Shasta limestone monkeyflower is a rare (CNPS 1B.1) California native annual found in the Klamath Ranges in limestone cliff crevices and outcrops at elevations of 900 to 1,100 meters. Flowering from April to May, this plant produces bright yellow flowers with a distinctive tube-throat 5 to 7 millimeters long. Growing 5 to 10 centimeters tall with minutely puberulent stems that spread and slightly arch, it forms a delicate compact structure. Its leaves are small and elegantly shaped, measuring 4 to 20 millimeters long, with ovate to elliptic-ovate blades. The fruit is 3 to 4 millimeters long, developing from pedicels 6 to 13 millimeters that curve gracefully.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Geographically isolated; waxy-white papillae on calyx diagnostic
Habitat and range
Habitat: Crevices in limestone cliffs and outcrops
Elevation: 900-1100 m
Bloom period
Erythranthe taylorii blooms Apr-May.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.1
Frequently asked questions
Is Erythranthe taylorii native to California?
Yes. Erythranthe taylorii is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Erythranthe taylorii bloom?
Erythranthe taylorii blooms Apr-May.
What plant family does Erythranthe taylorii belong to?
Erythranthe taylorii is in the Phrymaceae family, genus Erythranthe.
Is Erythranthe taylorii rare or endangered?
Erythranthe taylorii carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.1, state rank S2.
What habitat does Erythranthe taylorii grow in?
Erythranthe taylorii grows in Crevices in limestone cliffs and outcrops.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
- Erythranthe tilingii — Tiling's monkeyflower
- Erythranthe trinitiensis — Pink margined monkeyflower
- Erythranthe utahensis — Utah monkeyflower
- Erythranthe acutidens — Kings river monkeyflower
- Erythranthe alsinoides — Chickweed monkeyflower
- Erythranthe androsacea — Rock-jasmine monkeyflower
- Mimetanthe pilosa
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.