When does mountain monardella bloom?

Mountain monardella typically flowers from June through September, with peak bloom in mid to late summer at higher elevations.

How much water does mountain monardella need?

It is a low-water plant adapted to dry, rocky mountain soils and performs best with infrequent watering once established.

What kind of light does mountain monardella prefer?

Full sun is ideal, though plants growing in cooler high-elevation forests can tolerate some part sun.

What pollinators are attracted to mountain monardella?

Its fragrant summer flowers draw bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, making it a useful plant for pollinator gardens in mountain and high desert climates.

Is Mountain Monardella HOA-friendly?

Mountain Monardella is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Mountain Monardella

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Monardella odoratissima

Last reviewed: September 2026

Mountain monardella is a low, aromatic forb found on dry rocky slopes and open montane forests across western mountain ranges, blooming from June through September with lavender flowers that attract 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

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Central California Valley Southern California Mountains North American Deserts Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range Southern Rockies Arizona/New Mexico Mountains Madrean Archipelago

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 flowers from June through September, with peak bloom in mid to late summer at higher elevations.
How much water does mountain monardella need?: It is a low-water plant adapted to dry, rocky mountain soils and performs best with infrequent watering once established.
What kind of light does mountain monardella prefer?: Full sun is ideal, though plants growing in cooler high-elevation forests can tolerate some part sun.
What pollinators are attracted to mountain monardella?: Its fragrant summer flowers draw bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, making it a useful plant for pollinator gardens in mountain and high desert climates.
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.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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Common plant problems, and what to check first

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