Mountain Monardella
Monardella odoratissima
Last reviewed: July 2026
Mountain Monardella is a drought-tolerant native forb found across western states from Arizona to Washington. This aromatic wildflower blooms purple flowers from June through September, attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Mountain Monardella (Monardella odoratissima) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org (opens in new tab), last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
6"–24" H × 6"–18" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AZ, CA, CO, ID and 5 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, hummingbirds
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Mountain monardella is a fragrant, low-growing perennial native to mountain habitats. It forms a small mound of aromatic evergreen foliage with showy purple to lavender flower clusters blooming throughout summer. This drought-tolerant plant thrives in sunny locations with well-drained soil.
Growing Mountain Monardella
Grow Mountain Monardella in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 6 to 24 inches tall and spread 6 to 18 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Mountain Monardella is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.
- May appear slightly less tidy when not in bloom
Wildlife value
Mountain monardella is excellent for supporting native pollinators, attracting bees and butterflies with its abundant nectar. Hummingbirds are also drawn to its tubular flowers during the summer blooming period.
Common questions
- When does Mountain Monardella bloom?
- Mountain Monardella typically blooms from June through September, producing clusters of small purple flowers that are highly attractive to pollinators.
- What pollinators visit Mountain Monardella?
- Mountain Monardella attracts a diverse range of pollinators including native bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, making it an excellent choice for pollinator gardens in western regions.
- Where is Mountain Monardella native?
- Mountain Monardella is native to nine western states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, and Washington, typically growing in mountainous and high desert regions.
- What growing conditions does Mountain Monardella prefer?
- Mountain Monardella thrives in full sun with low water requirements, making it well-adapted to dry, mountainous conditions and drought-tolerant landscaping.
- Is Mountain Monardella toxic to dogs?
- Mountain Monardella is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Mountain Monardella toxic to cats?
- Mountain Monardella is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- Is Mountain Monardella HOA-friendly?
- Mountain Monardella is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Mountain Monardella? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz