Monardella macrantha subsp. macrantha
Photo: parent species Monardella macrantha · no rights reserved · CC0
Family: Lamiaceae · Type: Subshrub · Native
Monardella macrantha subsp. macrantha is a native California subshrub in the Lamiaceae family, recognized by elliptic leaves with obtuse base, not ciliate.
Scarlet monardella is a California native shrub found in southern Coastal Ranges and Transverse Ranges in chaparral and woodland habitats at elevations of 600 to 2,000 meters. Flowering from May to August, this plant produces vibrant scarlet flowers in dense clusters. Growing with upright stems 30 to 60 centimeters tall that are smooth or sparsely hairy, it forms a compact, bushy structure. Its leaves are elliptic to ovate, approximately 3 to 6 centimeters long with smooth edges and a rounded base, appearing deep green and slightly glossy. The dense flower clusters provide a striking splash of bright red against the shrub's foliage.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 22 sympatric species; elliptic leaves with obtuse base, not ciliate
Habitat and range
Habitat: Chaparral, woodland
Elevation: 600-2000 m
California counties: Los Angeles, San Diego, San Bernardino, Monterey, Santa Barbara
Bloom period
Monardella macrantha subsp. macrantha blooms May-Aug.
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 macrantha subsp. macrantha native to California?
Yes. Monardella macrantha subsp. macrantha is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Monardella macrantha subsp. macrantha bloom?
Monardella macrantha subsp. macrantha blooms May-Aug.
Where in California does Monardella macrantha subsp. macrantha grow?
Monardella macrantha subsp. macrantha occurs in Los Angeles, San Diego, San Bernardino, Monterey, Santa Barbara, at elevations of 600-2000 m.
What plant family does Monardella macrantha subsp. macrantha belong to?
Monardella macrantha subsp. macrantha is in the Lamiaceae family, genus Monardella.
What habitat does Monardella macrantha subsp. macrantha grow in?
Monardella macrantha subsp. macrantha grows in Chaparral, woodland.
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.