Moenchia sp.
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Family: Caryophyllaceae · Type: Annual · Not Native
Moenchia sp. is a non-native California annual in the Caryophyllaceae family.
How to tell it apart
vs Holosteum: Moenchia has 4 smooth petals and 8 capsule teeth; Holosteum has 5 jagged petals and 6 teeth.; vs Sagina: Moenchia grows rigidly upright with stiff narrow leaves; Sagina forms low moss-like mats with thread leaves.; vs Eremogone: Moenchia grows stiffly upright with scattered leaves; Eremogone forms dense cushions of spine-tipped needles.; vs Arenaria: Moenchia is rigidly upright with 4 petals; Arenaria is more relaxed with 5 petals and broader leaves.; vs Moehringia: Moenchia is rigidly erect with stiff narrow leaves; Moehringia has broader, softer oval leaves.
Frequently asked questions
Is Moenchia sp. native to California?
No. Moenchia sp. is not native to California (recorded as not native).
What plant family does Moenchia sp. belong to?
Moenchia sp. is in the Caryophyllaceae family, genus Moenchia.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-04-14
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.