Micromonolepis pusilla
Dwarf monolepis
(c) Trevor Van Loon, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Trevor Van Loon · licence
Family: Chenopodiaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 2B.3
Micromonolepis pusilla (Dwarf monolepis) is a native California herb in the Chenopodiaceae family, recognized by Specialist of high-elevation alkaline habitats with limited California range.
Dwarf monolepis is a California native annual found in the eastern slope of the northern Sierra Nevada Mountains, Modoc Plateau, and northern Sierra Nevada East in alkali flats at elevations of 1,000 to 2,100 meters. Flowering from May to August, this delicate plant produces small flowers in tiny clusters, with a subtle reddish-powdery appearance. Growing to 14 centimeters tall with intricately branched stems that become thread-like toward the tips, it forms rounded, compact clusters. Its small leaves are 3 to 6 millimeters long, elliptic to oblong in shape, with obtuse or rounded tips. The tiny fruits are less than one millimeter long, with a minutely textured wall that partially separates from the dark brown seed.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Specialist of high-elevation alkaline habitats with limited California range
Habitat and range
Habitat: Alkali flats
Elevation: 1000-2100 m
California counties: Mono, Modoc, Lassen
Outside California: to Washington, Colorado
Bloom period
Micromonolepis pusilla blooms May-Aug.
Conservation status
CNPS 2B.3
How to tell it apart
vs Bassia: Micromonolepis has thread-like branches; Bassia is more robust with hooked-spiny fruits.; vs Beta: Micromonolepis is tiny with thread-like branches; Beta is robust with large leaves.; vs Dysphania: Micromonolepis has 1-3 flowers per tip; Dysphania has denser sticky-glandular flower clusters.; vs Chenopodium: Micromonolepis has thread-like branches; Chenopodium has thicker stems with broader leaves.; vs Corispermum: Micromonolepis has 1-3 flowers scattered throughout; Corispermum has terminal spikes with many flowers.
Frequently asked questions
Is Micromonolepis pusilla native to California?
Yes. Micromonolepis pusilla is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Micromonolepis pusilla bloom?
Micromonolepis pusilla blooms May-Aug.
Where in California does Micromonolepis pusilla grow?
Micromonolepis pusilla occurs in Mono, Modoc, Lassen, at elevations of 1000-2100 m.
What plant family does Micromonolepis pusilla belong to?
Micromonolepis pusilla is in the Chenopodiaceae family, genus Micromonolepis.
Is Micromonolepis pusilla rare or endangered?
Micromonolepis pusilla carries California Rare Plant Rank 2B.3, state rank S3?.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CNPS Rare Plant Inventory · Index of California Plant Names · 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.