Acanthomintha ilicifolia
San diego thornmint, San Diego thorn-mint, San Diego thorn-mint
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Family: Lamiaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.1 · Threatened
Acanthomintha ilicifolia (San diego thornmint) is a native California herb in the Lamiaceae family, recognized by no sympatric species.
San diego thornmint is a rare (CNPS 1B.1) California native annual found in southern Southern California and southwestern Peninsular Ranges in southwestern San Diego County, inhabiting vernal pools, clay depressions on mesas, chaparral slopes, and coastal-sage scrub at elevations below 1,000 meters. Flowering from April to June, this plant produces white flowers with occasionally rose-tinged lobes, growing to approximately 12 millimeters long in distinctive clusters with marginal spines. Growing with slender stems 5 to 15 centimeters tall, the plant has minimal to short hairs and a compact growth habit. Its leaves are small, approximately 5 to 15 millimeters long, rounded with serrated edges that give the plant a delicate yet spiny appearance. The flower's upper lip is notably smaller than the lower lip, with sterile upper stamens and a distinctive hooded shape that sets it apart from other annual herbs in its habitat.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Geographically isolated; no sympatric species
Habitat and range
Habitat: Vernal pools, clay depressions on mesas, chaparral slopes, coastal-sage scrub
Elevation: < 1000 m
California counties: San Diego, San Mateo, Fresno
Outside California: Baja California
Bloom period
Acanthomintha ilicifolia blooms Apr-Jun.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.1 · Threatened
How to tell it apart
vs Lycopus: Acanthomintha has spiny flower bracts and grows in dry grasslands, while Lycopus lacks spines and grows in wetlands.; vs Salvia: Acanthomintha has prominent spiny-margined bracts beneath flowers, while Salvia has plain bracts.; vs Monarda: Acanthomintha is annual with spiny bracts, while Monarda is perennial with smooth bracts.; vs Hedeoma: Acanthomintha is annual with spiny bracts, while Hedeoma is perennial with smooth bracts and swollen calyx.; vs Pogogyne: Acanthomintha has spiny-margined bracts, while Pogogyne has smooth bracts and densely head-like flower clusters.
Frequently asked questions
Is Acanthomintha ilicifolia native to California?
Yes. Acanthomintha ilicifolia is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Acanthomintha ilicifolia bloom?
Acanthomintha ilicifolia blooms Apr-Jun.
Where in California does Acanthomintha ilicifolia grow?
Acanthomintha ilicifolia occurs in San Diego, San Mateo, Fresno, at elevations of < 1000 m.
What plant family does Acanthomintha ilicifolia belong to?
Acanthomintha ilicifolia is in the Lamiaceae family, genus Acanthomintha.
Is Acanthomintha ilicifolia rare or endangered?
Acanthomintha ilicifolia carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.1, state rank S1.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CNPS Rare Plant Inventory · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos · CDFW CNDDB
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.