Monardella beneolens
Sweet-smelling monardella
(c) Matt Berger, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Matt Berger · licence
Family: Lamiaceae · Type: Subshrub · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.3
Monardella beneolens (Sweet-smelling monardella) is a native California subshrub in the Lamiaceae family, recognized by distinctive pubescence and high elevation habitat.
Sweet-smelling monardella is a rare (CNPS 1B.3) California native shrub found in southern Sierra Nevada Mountains on rocky granitic or metamorphic slopes in open conifer forest at elevations of 2,500 to 3,600 meters. Flowering from April to September, this plant produces lavender to pale rose flowers in compact clusters 10 to 20 millimeters wide with distinctive wavy bracts. Growing as a matted or tufted subshrub with decumbent stems 10 to 30 centimeters long, it features spreading soft and glandular hairs. Its small leaves, less than 10 millimeters long, are narrowly ovate with wavy margins and dense, long, wavy hairs on the undersides. The plant's delicate lavender flowers emerge from green to straw-colored bracts that are sometimes rose-tinged, creating a subtle and intricate botanical display.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 9 sympatric species; distinctive pubescence and high elevation habitat
Habitat and range
Habitat: Rocky granitic or metamorphic slopes in open conifer forest
Elevation: 2500-3600 m
Bloom period
Monardella beneolens blooms Apr-Sep.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.3
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 beneolens native to California?
Yes. Monardella beneolens is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Monardella beneolens bloom?
Monardella beneolens blooms Apr-Sep.
What plant family does Monardella beneolens belong to?
Monardella beneolens is in the Lamiaceae family, genus Monardella.
Is Monardella beneolens rare or endangered?
Monardella beneolens carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.3, state rank S2.
What habitat does Monardella beneolens grow in?
Monardella beneolens grows in Rocky granitic or metamorphic slopes in open conifer forest.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · 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.