Narrow-leaf Montia
Montia linearis
Last reviewed: August 2026

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 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
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.
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.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Narrow-leaf Montia? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz