Santa Clara Thorn-Mint
(Acanthomintha lanceolata )
Lamiaceae

Photo Copyright 1997 Lee Dittmann

Description: Annual, bad smelling, soft-hairy herb, with stems 4-12 inches (1-3dm) long. Leaves spear to pear-shaped, 3/8 - 3/4 inches long. Inflorescence are head-like. The flower's calyx is 1/2 inch (12mm) long, and 2-lipped. The corolla is funnel-shaped and 2-lipped, with the upper lip 2-lobed, 5/16 - 3/8 inch (8-10mm) long, and the lower lip 3-lobed. Petals are white or pink-tipped, 3/4 - 1 inch (2-2.5cm) long. The fruit are ovoid.

Distribution:

Habitat: Arid, rocky, serpentine slopes. Elevation 256 - 3840 feet.

Flowering Period: Blooms March - June.

Similar Plants:

Status: BLM Sensitive, California Native Plant Society List 4