Montia howellii
Howell's montia, Howell's Montia
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Family: Montiaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 2B.2
Montia howellii (Howell's montia) is a native California herb in the Montiaceae family, recognized by very low elevation, matted habit, extremely reduced or absent petals.
Howell's montia is a rare (CNPS 2B.2) California native annual found in northwestern California in vernally wet sites, often on compacted soil, at elevations below 400 meters. Flowering from March to May, this plant produces small white flowers in tiny clusters within the axils of stem leaves. Growing as a diminutive, matted plant only 1 to 9 centimeters tall that roots at its lower nodes, it spreads close to the ground in delicate formations. Its alternate leaves range from 5 to 25 millimeters long, appearing linear or slightly oblanceolate with a slender, understated profile. The tiny fruits measure less than 1.2 millimeters, containing smooth seeds with minimal appendage development.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 6 sympatric species; distinguished by very low elevation, matted habit, extremely reduced or absent petals
Habitat and range
Habitat: Vernally wet sites, often compacted soil
Elevation: < 400 m
California counties: Humboldt, Trinity
Outside California: to British Columbia
Bloom period
Montia howellii blooms Mar-May.
Conservation status
CNPS 2B.2
How to tell it apart
vs Claytonia: Montia has multiple alternate stem leaves and one-sided flowers; Claytonia has exactly 2 opposite or fused stem leaves.; vs Lewisia: Montia has thin stems with alternate leaves in wet areas; Lewisia forms tight succulent rosettes on rocks.; vs Hesperochiron: Montia has small clustered flowers on stems; Hesperochiron has large solitary flowers from basal rosettes.; vs Galium: Montia has alternate succulent leaves and white flowers; Galium has whorled thin leaves and square stems.; vs Cistanthe: Montia has white/pink flowers with multiple stem leaves; Cistanthe has 5 petals with yellow anthers only on coast.
Frequently asked questions
Is Montia howellii native to California?
Yes. Montia howellii is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Montia howellii bloom?
Montia howellii blooms Mar-May.
Where in California does Montia howellii grow?
Montia howellii occurs in Humboldt, Trinity, at elevations of < 400 m.
What plant family does Montia howellii belong to?
Montia howellii is in the Montiaceae family, genus Montia.
Is Montia howellii rare or endangered?
Montia howellii carries California Rare Plant Rank 2B.2, state rank S2.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CNPS Rare Plant Inventory · Index of California Plant Names · 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.