Mimetanthe pilosa
Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Phrymaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Mimetanthe pilosa is a native California herb in the Phrymaceae family, recognized by Monotypic genus recently segregated from Mimulus, representing a distinct evolutionary lineage within Phrymaceae.
mimetanthe is a California native annual found in moist, sandy areas, especially near small streams and in disturbed areas at elevations below 2,600 meters. Flowering from April to August, this plant produces yellow flowers with delicate tube-like corollas 7 to 8 millimeters long. Growing 2 to 35 centimeters tall, it features densely long, soft, and wavy hairs covering its entire structure. Its leaves are 10 to 30 millimeters long, ranging from lanceolate to oblong in shape, with a distinctive soft and hairy texture. The plant produces small fruit chambers 4 to 7 millimeters long that split open along their upper third, containing numerous tiny seeds less than 1 millimeter in size.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Monotypic genus recently segregated from Mimulus, representing a distinct evolutionary lineage within Phrymaceae
Habitat and range
Habitat: Moist, sandy areas, especially by small streams, disturbed areas
Elevation: < 2600 m
Outside California: to Washington, Utah, Arizona, Baja California
Bloom period
Mimetanthe pilosa blooms Apr-Aug.
Frequently asked questions
Is Mimetanthe pilosa native to California?
Yes. Mimetanthe pilosa is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Mimetanthe pilosa bloom?
Mimetanthe pilosa blooms Apr-Aug.
What plant family does Mimetanthe pilosa belong to?
Mimetanthe pilosa is in the Phrymaceae family, genus Mimetanthe.
What habitat does Mimetanthe pilosa grow in?
Mimetanthe pilosa grows in Moist, sandy areas, especially by small streams, disturbed areas.
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.