Monardella linoides subsp. sierrae
(c) Jim Morefield, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Lamiaceae · Type: Shrub · Native
Monardella linoides subsp. sierrae is a native California shrub in the Lamiaceae family, recognized by larger stature and granitic habitat preference are key.
Sierra monardella is a California native shrub found in central Sierra Nevada Mountains, northern eastern Sierra Nevada, and northern Mojave Desert on granitic soils in chaparral and conifer woodlands at elevations of 1,000 to 3,500 meters. Flowering from June to September, this plant produces lavender to pink flowers in compact clusters 15 to 26 millimeters wide with distinctive pale to rose-colored bracts. Growing with multiple silvery stems 20 to 50 centimeters tall, it has a densely puberulent appearance that gives the plant a soft, grayish texture. Its lanceolate leaves are 20 to 30 millimeters long, pale green with acute bases, slightly glabrous on the upper surface and sparsely puberulent underneath. The flower clusters emerge on short peduncles, creating delicate, compact flower heads characteristic of this Sierra Nevada endemic.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 6 sympatric species; larger stature and granitic habitat preference are key
Habitat and range
Habitat: Chaparral, conifer woodland to forest, coarse, granitic soils
Elevation: 1000-3500 m
California counties: Kern, Tulare, Inyo, Mono, Alpine, Madera
Outside California: Nevada
Bloom period
Monardella linoides subsp. sierrae 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. sierrae native to California?
Yes. Monardella linoides subsp. sierrae is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Monardella linoides subsp. sierrae bloom?
Monardella linoides subsp. sierrae blooms Jun-Sep.
Where in California does Monardella linoides subsp. sierrae grow?
Monardella linoides subsp. sierrae occurs in Kern, Tulare, Inyo, Mono, Alpine, Madera, at elevations of 1000-3500 m.
What plant family does Monardella linoides subsp. sierrae belong to?
Monardella linoides subsp. sierrae is in the Lamiaceae family, genus Monardella.
What habitat does Monardella linoides subsp. sierrae grow in?
Monardella linoides subsp. sierrae grows in Chaparral, conifer woodland to forest, coarse, granitic soils.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-09-30
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.