Veronica missurica subsp. missurica
Kittentail
Family: Plantaginaceae · Native
Veronica missurica subsp. missurica (Kittentail) is a native California plant in the Plantaginaceae family, recognized by Warner Mtns endemic; erect thick fruiting spike, 15--100 flowers, 10--16 ovules — range nearly diagnostic.
Kittentail is a California native perennial herb found in the Western California bioregion in moist forests at elevations from 30 to 2,900 meters. Flowering from March to July, it produces erect fruiting inflorescences bearing 15 to 100 blue flowers up to 10.5 millimeters long. It grows from rhizomes with persistent, widely ovate basal leaves that have lobed bases and rounded tips.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Warner Mtns endemic; erect thick fruiting spike, 15--100 flowers, 10--16 ovules — range nearly diagnostic
Habitat and range
Habitat: Moist forests
Elevation: 30--2900 m
Outside California: to Washington, Montana
Bloom period
Veronica missurica subsp. missurica blooms Mar--Jul.
How to tell it apart
vs Melaleuca: Melaleuca has bottlebrush flowers with numerous stamens; Veronica has simple four-petaled flowers with 2 stamens.; vs Nemophila: Nemophila has bowl-shaped flowers with leaves cut into lobes; Veronica has flat flowers and unlobed leaves.; vs Monardella: Monardella has flowers in dense heads with minty aroma; Veronica has scattered four-petaled flowers, no scent.; vs Ludwigia: Ludwigia has bright yellow four-petaled flowers; Veronica has blue, white, or pink flowers in racemes.; vs Lysimachia: Lysimachia has five petals and five sepals; Veronica has four petals and four sepals.
Frequently asked questions
Is Veronica missurica subsp. missurica native to California?
Yes. Veronica missurica subsp. missurica is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Veronica missurica subsp. missurica bloom?
Veronica missurica subsp. missurica blooms Mar--Jul.
What plant family does Veronica missurica subsp. missurica belong to?
Veronica missurica subsp. missurica is in the Plantaginaceae family, genus Veronica.
What habitat does Veronica missurica subsp. missurica grow in?
Veronica missurica subsp. missurica grows in Moist forests.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora
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.