Shelton's Monardella
Monardella sheltonii
- Native to:
- United States
iNaturalist: © robirwin (iNaturalist #79462921)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Lamiaceae
- Genus:
- Monardella
- Species:
- Monardella sheltonii
- USDA Symbol:
- MOSH
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb , Subshrub
- Height:
- 60 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug
- Bloom Colors:
- purple, pink
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Anoncia orites, Anstenoptilia marmarodactyla, california pyrausta moth (Pyrausta californicalis), Coleophora sp. B, orange tortrix moth (Argyrotaenia franciscana), Pyrausta dapalis, Pyrausta fodinalis, Pyrausta perrubralis
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, butterflies
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Fragrant:
- Yes
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Resprouts from root crown after fire; benefits from post-fire conditions.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rocky, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to rocky slopes and ridges
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds benefit from cold stratification for 30-60 days to break dormancy.
Pre-treatment: None required
Establishment: Germination rates are highly variable for individuals from different populations. Relatively clean seed may be shaken from whole fruiting heads collected from mid to late summer.
Source: npn.rngr.net