Showy Rock Montia
Montia parvifolia
Care
part shade
moderate
Fast; Tolerates a variety of soils as long as adequate drainage is provided.
1–1ft tall
Mar-Aug
Friendly
Prized
Leaves eaten raw or cooked; traditional Indigenous food
Alpine and subalpine meadows of the Sierra Nevada, 8000-12000 ft elevation
Care Guide
Planting
Plant your Showy Rock Montia in a spot with partial shade and fast-draining soil - this is non-negotiable, as poor drainage is the main way to kill it. It tolerates a variety of soil types as long as that drainage is there, so amend heavy clay with compost or plant in a raised bed if needed. Spring is your best bet for planting. Space plants about 12 inches apart, as they spread via stolons and will fill in over time.
After Planting
Water moderately to keep the soil consistently moist (but not waterlogged) through the first growing season, tapering back once established. The #1 mistake Bay Area gardeners make is overwatering or planting in poorly draining soil - this plant comes from mountain seeps and streams, so it needs moisture but abhors soggy conditions. Expect delicate pink or white flowers from spring through summer, and watch for the plant to spread naturally via its leafy runners.
Wildlife Supported
Insects
Spring foraging resource for queen and worker provisioning
Early spring forager for queen establishment and worker production
Early spring pollen and nectar collection for colony growth
Spring foraging during nest establishment phase
Spring pollen specialist for ground-nesting female provisioning
Spring pollen collection for cavity-nesting larvae
Early spring nectar source for hive nutrition during brood rearing
Spring adult fly feeding and pollen consumption
+6 more species