Monardella linoides subsp. linoides
(c) Jim Morefield, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Lamiaceae · Type: Subshrub · Native
Monardella linoides subsp. linoides is a native California subshrub in the Lamiaceae family, recognized by very narrow leaves and desert-adjacent habitat.
Monardella linoides is a California native shrub found in southern Desert Mountains, particularly the Little San Bernardino Mountains and southern Desert Mojave regions in chaparral and montane woodland at elevations of 900 to 2,000 meters. Flowering from June to September, this plant produces lavender to light blue flowers in compact clusters 10 to 22 millimeters wide, with distinctive white to rose-colored bracts. Growing with silvery stems 18 to 50 centimeters tall, the plant features densely puberulent branches that create a delicate, soft appearance. Its leaves are narrow and linear, measuring 10 to 25 millimeters long and 2 to 4 millimeters wide, contributing to its slender and elegant form. The flower clusters are typically solitary or occasionally up to three per main stem, with bracts that prominently exceed the calyx and add visual interest to the plant.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 10 sympatric species; very narrow leaves and desert-adjacent habitat
Habitat and range
Habitat: Chaparral, montane woodland; coarse soils
Elevation: 900-2000 m
California counties: Riverside, San Diego, Los Angeles, Mono, Ventura, Inyo, Tulare, San Bernardino
Outside California: northern Baja California
Bloom period
Monardella linoides subsp. linoides 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 linoides subsp. linoides native to California?
Yes. Monardella linoides subsp. linoides is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Monardella linoides subsp. linoides bloom?
Monardella linoides subsp. linoides blooms Jun-Sep.
Where in California does Monardella linoides subsp. linoides grow?
Monardella linoides subsp. linoides occurs in Riverside, San Diego, Los Angeles, Mono, Ventura, Inyo, Tulare, San Bernardino, at elevations of 900-2000 m.
What plant family does Monardella linoides subsp. linoides belong to?
Monardella linoides subsp. linoides is in the Lamiaceae family, genus Monardella.
What habitat does Monardella linoides subsp. linoides grow in?
Monardella linoides subsp. linoides grows in Chaparral, montane woodland; coarse soils.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · 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.