Monardella linoides subsp. anemonoides
southern Sierra monardella
(c) Jim Morefield, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Lamiaceae · Type: Shrub · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.3
Monardella linoides subsp. anemonoides (southern Sierra monardella) is a native California shrub in the Lamiaceae family, recognized by large bracts exceeding calyx diagnostic.
Southern Sierra monardella is a rare (CNPS 1B.3) California native shrub found in southern Sierra Nevada Foothills and southern Sierra Nevada in Kern and Tulare counties, inhabiting chaparral and montane forest at elevations of 750 to 2,000 meters. Flowering from June to August, this plant produces light purple to purple flowers in compact clusters 20 to 30 millimeters wide with distinctive white to rose-colored bracts. Growing with few stems from the base, reaching 35 to 60 centimeters tall, it develops an upright and structured form. Its narrow leaves are silvery, lanceolate, 15 to 35 millimeters long and 4 to 8 millimeters wide, creating a delicate textural appearance. The plant's calyx measures 10 to 11 millimeters long, supporting its elegant and compact flowering structure.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 11 sympatric species; large bracts exceeding calyx diagnostic
Habitat and range
Habitat: Chaparral, montane forest
Elevation: 750-2000 m
Bloom period
Monardella linoides subsp. anemonoides blooms Jun-Aug.
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 linoides subsp. anemonoides native to California?
Yes. Monardella linoides subsp. anemonoides is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Monardella linoides subsp. anemonoides bloom?
Monardella linoides subsp. anemonoides blooms Jun-Aug.
What plant family does Monardella linoides subsp. anemonoides belong to?
Monardella linoides subsp. anemonoides is in the Lamiaceae family, genus Monardella.
Is Monardella linoides subsp. anemonoides rare or endangered?
Monardella linoides subsp. anemonoides carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.3, state rank S2.
What habitat does Monardella linoides subsp. anemonoides grow in?
Monardella linoides subsp. anemonoides grows in Chaparral, montane forest.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos · CDFW CNDDB
Last updated 2026-10-06
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.