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Narrow-leaf Montia

Montia linearis

Last reviewed: August 2026

Narrow-leaf Montia (Montia linearis)
Photo: (c) Gail A Baker, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Gail A Baker

Toxicity unknown

Narrow-leaf Montia (Montia linearis) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part sun

Water

medium

Size

2"–12" H × 2"–6" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May

Native to

AZ, CA, ID, MT and 5 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 459 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Puget LowlandMarine West Coast ForestNorthwestern Forested MountainsSierra NevadaCentral California Foothills and Coastal MountainsSouthern California MountainsNorth American DesertsCentral Basin and Range

Narrow-leaf montia is a small annual wildflower that forms low, delicate mats with tiny white or pink flowers in spring. This diminutive plant grows close to the ground and produces narrow, succulent-like leaves. It completes its lifecycle quickly, blooming from March through May before setting seed.

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In an HOA neighborhood

Narrow-leaf Montia takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

  • Very small stature may appear weedy
  • Annual lifecycle creates gaps when plant dies
  • Unknown winter appearance adds uncertainty

Wildlife value

This plant provides early season nectar for small bees and beetles when few other flowers are available. Its small stature makes it most valuable as part of diverse plantings rather than a standalone wildlife feature.

Common questions

How much sun does Narrow-leaf Montia need?
Narrow-leaf Montia grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Narrow-leaf Montia bloom?
Narrow-leaf Montia blooms in March, April, and May.
Where is Narrow-leaf Montia native?
Narrow-leaf Montia (Montia linearis) is native to AZ, CA, ID, MT and 5 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Narrow-leaf Montia attract?
Narrow-leaf Montia draws bees and beetles.
Is Narrow-leaf Montia HOA-friendly?
Narrow-leaf Montia takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

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