Scientific Family
Lamiaceae
Plant type
Forbs and Subshrubs
Origin
Native
Lifecycle
Perennial
Height
4 to 15 inches
Riparian
Yes
This is a hairy perennial herb with an erect form up to 18 inches tall. It is very aromatic and minty. Leaf edges are often rolled inward and the leaves, stems and flower bracts (calyx) are covered with short, fine hairs that have their tips bent over.
At maturity the calyx teeth come together and close the floral tube.
Habitat
Rocky, gravelly slopes, caliche, limestone embankments and well-drained loamy floodplains.
Plant Community
Riparian
Pinyon Juniper Woodlands
Montane Conifer Forest
Interior Chaparral
Grasslands
Low elevation
3500
High elevation
7500
Flower Characteristics
The inflorescence arises from the leaf axils, bearing 3 to 7 flowers each. Flowers average 1/2 inch in length. The flowers are generally bluish to rose-purple with some white markings.
Flower color
Bluish-purple to pinkish-purple
Flower shape
Irregular
Tubular
Yes
First bloom month
May
Last bloom month
September
Flower clusters
Elongated
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
The oppositely arranged paired leaves are linear to narrowly oval in shape, pointed, and less than 1/2 inch long. The leaves have a strong sweet mint scent when crushed. The back of the leaf is pitted (foveate).
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf color
Green
Leaf shape
Narrow
Leaf margin
Smooth
Leaves clasp
No
Leaf hairs
Leaves & stems
Spines
No
Fruit and Seed Characteristics
The fruit is a waxy, sticky nutlet.
Fruit type
Nutlet
Fruit color
Green to brownish
Small brown seeds are egg-shaped, 1 to 4 per nutlet.