How to Identify Montiaceae

Montiaceae is a plant family in the Plantae kingdom, order Caryophyllales, class Magnoliopsida. The family contains 65 accepted species worldwide. Some species in this family are toxic — exercise caution when handling unknown specimens.

Key Identification Features

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Representative Montiaceae Species

How to identify Phemeranthus calycinus (Engelm.) Kiger

Phemeranthus calycinus (Engelm.) Kiger

Phemeranthus calycinus (Engelm.) Kiger

Phemeranthus calycinus is a succulent herbaceous perennial native to central U.S…

How to identify Claytonia rubra (Howell) Tidestr.

Claytonia rubra (Howell) Tidestr.

Claytonia rubra (Howell) Tidestr.

Claytonia rubra (redstem springbeauty) is a small annual/biennial flowering plan…

How to identify Hectorella caespitosa Hook.fil.

Hectorella caespitosa Hook.fil.

Hectorella caespitosa Hook.fil.

Hectorella caespitosa is the only species in the monotypic flowering plant genus…

How to identify Montia howellii S.Watson

Montia howellii S.Watson

Montia howellii S.Watson

Montia howellii S.Watson is a small mat-forming annual herb with tiny cleistogam…

How to identify Phemeranthus calcaricus (S.Ware) Kiger

Phemeranthus calcaricus (S.Ware) Kiger

Phemeranthus calcaricus (S.Ware) Kiger

Phemeranthus calcaricus, the limestone fameflower, is a small succulent perennia…

How to identify Claytonia parviflora Douglas ex Hook.

Claytonia parviflora Douglas ex Hook.

Claytonia parviflora Douglas ex Hook.

Claytonia parviflora is an annual herb with four recognized subspecies, includin…

How to identify Claytonia perfoliata Donn.

Claytonia perfoliata Donn.

Claytonia perfoliata Donn.

Claytonia perfoliata, commonly miner's lettuce, is an edible rosette plant nativ…

⚠️ Poisonous
How to identify Montia parvifolia (Moc. ex DC.) Greene

Montia parvifolia (Moc. ex DC.) Greene

Montia parvifolia (Moc. ex DC.) Greene

Montia parvifolia is a perennial herb with specific growth form, leaves, and pin…

How to identify Lewisia brachycalyx Engelm. ex A.Gray

Lewisia brachycalyx Engelm. ex A.Gray

Lewisia brachycalyx Engelm. ex A.Gray

Lewisia brachycalyx is a deciduous perennial alpine plant that has won the RHS A…

How to identify Claytonia cordifolia S.Watson

Claytonia cordifolia S.Watson

Claytonia cordifolia S.Watson

Claytonia cordifolia, commonly heartleaf springbeauty, is a native western North…

How to identify Lewisia oppositifolia (S.Watson) B.L.Rob.

Lewisia oppositifolia (S.Watson) B.L.Rob.

Lewisia oppositifolia (S.Watson) B.L.Rob.

Lewisia oppositifolia, opposite-leaf lewisia, is a rare perennial flowering plan…

How to identify Montia linearis (Douglas ex Hook.) Greene

Montia linearis (Douglas ex Hook.) Greene

Montia linearis (Douglas ex Hook.) Greene

Montia linearis is a small branching annual herb with linear leaves and small wh…

Browse all 65 Montiaceae species →

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you identify Montiaceae?

Montiaceae plants belong to the Caryophyllales order in the Plantae kingdom. Its basal leaves are linear, and often have an indistinct petiole. For instant identification, use the iNature app — AI-powered and works offline.

What are the key characteristics of Montiaceae?

Montiaceae is classified in the order Caryophyllales, class Magnoliopsida, phylum Tracheophyta. The family contains 65 accepted species worldwide.

⚠️ Are any Montiaceae species poisonous?

Yes, some Montiaceae species are toxic or poisonous. Always exercise caution with unknown specimens. View poisonous Montiaceae species or browse the full poisonous species guide.

Sources: GBIF, iNaturalist, Wikipedia · Disclaimer

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