Monardella australis subsp. australis
Photo: parent species Monardella australis · (c) velodrome, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Lamiaceae · Type: Shrub · Native
Monardella australis subsp. australis is a native California shrub in the Lamiaceae family, recognized by clear morphological and habitat distinctions.
Southern montane monardella is a California native shrub found in the San Gabriel Mountains, San Bernardino Mountains, and San Jacinto Mountains in mid-montane to subalpine forest, chaparral, and rocky openings at elevations of 1,450 to 3,300 meters. Flowering from June to September, this plant produces rose-colored flowers in compact clusters 12 to 20 millimeters wide with outer bracts tinged in rose. Growing as a matted plant with decumbent to ascending stems 10 to 20 centimeters tall, it forms dense low-growing clusters. Its leaves are nearly sessile, lanceolate to narrowly ovate, 6 to 17 millimeters long and 2.5 to 5 millimeters wide, with entire to weakly serrate edges. The rose-colored flowers feature corollas 10 to 13 millimeters long, nestled among hairy, rose-tinged bracts.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 15 sympatric species; clear morphological and habitat distinctions
Habitat and range
Habitat: Mid-montane to subalpine forest, chaparral, rocky openings
Elevation: 1450-3300 m
California counties: San Bernardino, Riverside, Los Angeles
Bloom period
Monardella australis subsp. australis blooms Jun-Sep.
How to tell it apart
vs Mentha: Mint has multiple flower clusters spaced along the stem; Monardella has one terminal pom-pom head per stem.; vs Salvia: Sage has flowers spaced along an elongated spike; Monardella's flowers are densely packed into a rounded head.; vs Veronica: Speedwell has flowers in a loose spike and isn't aromatic; Monardella's flowers form a dense head with mint scent.; vs Phacelia: Phacelia's flower clusters uncurl like a fern; Monardella's form a compact, stationary head with a bract collar.; vs Valeriana: Valerian has tiny flowers in branched clusters; Monardella has larger mint flowers in a single terminal head.
Frequently asked questions
Is Monardella australis subsp. australis native to California?
Yes. Monardella australis subsp. australis is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Monardella australis subsp. australis bloom?
Monardella australis subsp. australis blooms Jun-Sep.
Where in California does Monardella australis subsp. australis grow?
Monardella australis subsp. australis occurs in San Bernardino, Riverside, Los Angeles, at elevations of 1450-3300 m.
What plant family does Monardella australis subsp. australis belong to?
Monardella australis subsp. australis is in the Lamiaceae family, genus Monardella.
What habitat does Monardella australis subsp. australis grow in?
Monardella australis subsp. australis grows in Mid-montane to subalpine forest, chaparral, rocky openings.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
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.