Acanthomintha obovata
Obvate-leafed thorn mint
(c) Trevor Van Loon, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Lamiaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Acanthomintha obovata (Obvate-leafed thorn mint) is a native California herb in the Lamiaceae family, recognized by Obovate leaves spiny on distal margins; shiny straw-colored spine-fringed bracts; interior S Coast Ranges/W Transverse.
Obvate-leafed thorn mint is a California native annual herb found in rocky or sandy areas at low to moderate elevations. Flowering from March to June, this plant produces white flowers with distinctive purple-tipped lobes in spiny inflorescences up to 1.5 centimeters long. Growing with slender branched stems 10 to 25 centimeters tall, it has sparse short hairs and a delicate, open structure. Its leaves are small and distinctively shaped, with obovate blades 8 to 12 millimeters long, having entire margins near the base and progressively spiny edges toward the stem tips. The plant's shiny, straw-colored bracts with 7 to 11 marginal spines give it a unique and intricate appearance.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Obovate leaves spiny on distal margins; shiny straw-colored spine-fringed bracts; interior S Coast Ranges/W Transverse
Habitat and range
California counties: Ventura, Monterey, San Benito, San Luis Obispo, San Mateo, Plumas
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 obovata native to California?
Yes. Acanthomintha obovata is native to California (recorded as native).
Where in California does Acanthomintha obovata grow?
Acanthomintha obovata occurs in Ventura, Monterey, San Benito, San Luis Obispo, San Mateo, Plumas.
What plant family does Acanthomintha obovata belong to?
Acanthomintha obovata is in the Lamiaceae family, genus Acanthomintha.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
- Acanthomintha obovata subsp. cordata — Heart-leaved thornmint
- Acanthomintha obovata subsp. obovata — San benito thornmint
- Acanthomintha sp. — Thornmint
- Acanthomintha duttonii — San mateo thornmint
- Acanthomintha ilicifolia — San diego thornmint
- Acanthomintha lanceolata — Santa clara thornmint
- Agastache parvifolia — Small leaved horsemint
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
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.