Keckiella ternata
Blue stemmed keckiella
Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Plantaginaceae · Type: Shrub · Native
Keckiella ternata (Blue stemmed keckiella) is a native California shrub in the Plantaginaceae family, recognized by Glaucous wand-like stems; leaves whorled in 3s; long-tubed red corollas (21-31 mm).
Blue stemmed keckiella is a California native shrub found in rocky or chaparral habitats across California's coastal and mountain regions. Flowering from May to July, this plant produces striking red flowers with long tubular corollas measuring 21 to 31 millimeters in length. Growing with spreading to erect stems up to 2.5 meters tall, it features distinctive wand-like stems that are glaucous and young stems remain glabrous. Its leaves are uniquely arranged in whorls of three, with narrow linear to lance-shaped blades 15 to 60 millimeters long, often folded and curved with 5 to 11 sharp teeth along the margins. The plant's staminodes are densely covered in yellow hairs, adding to its botanical intrigue.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Glaucous wand-like stems; leaves whorled in 3s; long-tubed red corollas (21-31 mm)
Habitat and range
California counties: Los Angeles, San Bernardino, San Diego, Riverside, Kern, Tulare, Orange, Santa Barbara, Ventura
How to tell it apart
vs Penstemon: Keckiella has woody stems that persist year-round; Penstemon is herbaceous and dies back.; vs Epilobium: Keckiella has tubular two-lipped flowers with five stamens; Epilobium has four-petaled open flowers.; vs Tecomaria: Keckiella has small tubular flowers under 1 inch; Tecomaria has large showy orange-red trumpet flowers.; vs Larrea: Keckiella has tubular snapdragon-like flowers; Larrea has small yellow five-petaled flowers and resinous leaves.; vs Salvia: Keckiella has five stamens (one sterile); Salvia has only two fertile stamens and square stems.
Frequently asked questions
Is Keckiella ternata native to California?
Yes. Keckiella ternata is native to California (recorded as native).
Where in California does Keckiella ternata grow?
Keckiella ternata occurs in Los Angeles, San Bernardino, San Diego, Riverside, Kern, Tulare, Orange, Santa Barbara and other counties.
What plant family does Keckiella ternata belong to?
Keckiella ternata is in the Plantaginaceae family, genus Keckiella.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
- Keckiella ternata var. septentrionalis — Northern blue stemmed keckiella
- Keckiella ternata var. ternata — Blue stemmed keckiella
- Keckiella antirrhinoides — Chaparral beard tongue
- Keckiella antirrhinoides var. antirrhinoides — Chaparral beard tongue
- Keckiella antirrhinoides var. microphylla — Chaparral beard tongue
- Keckiella breviflora — Bush beardtongue
- Kickxia elatine — Sharp leaved fluellin
- Kickxia sp.
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.