Lepechinia cardiophylla
Heart-leaved pitcher sage
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Family: Lamiaceae · Type: Shrub · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.2
Lepechinia cardiophylla (Heart-leaved pitcher sage) is a native California shrub in the Lamiaceae family, recognized by cordate leaf base vs lanceolate leaves.
Heart-leaved pitcher sage is a rare (CNPS 1B.2) California native perennial found in the Peninsular Ranges in chaparral at elevations of 600 to 1,200 meters. Flowering from April to July, this plant produces lavender to purple flowers with distinctive glandular calyces. Growing with stems 30 to 50 centimeters tall that are covered in short-stalked glands and branched hairs, it forms a compact herbaceous cluster. Its heart-shaped to ovate leaves are irregularly toothed with a mix of branched and glandular hairs, creating a textured green surface. The plant produces small, glabrous fruits that mature after flowering.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 1 sympatric species; key feature is cordate leaf base vs lanceolate leaves
Habitat and range
Habitat: Chaparral
Elevation: 600-1200 m
Bloom period
Lepechinia cardiophylla blooms Apr-Jul.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.2
How to tell it apart
vs Salvia: Salvia's calyx stays tubular in fruit; Lepechinia's calyx inflates into a balloon around the developing seeds.; vs Stachys: Hedge-nettle has much smaller flowers; Lepechinia's flowers are thumb-sized and dramatically larger.; vs Eriodictyon: Yerba santa has fuzzy leaves and five-petaled flowers; Lepechinia has mint-shaped two-lipped flowers.; vs Cistus: Rockrose has five separate petals like a rose; Lepechinia has tubular two-lipped mint flowers.; vs Abelia: Abelia has flowers with distinct petals spreading out; Lepechinia has a tubular mint flower with lips.
Frequently asked questions
Is Lepechinia cardiophylla native to California?
Yes. Lepechinia cardiophylla is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Lepechinia cardiophylla bloom?
Lepechinia cardiophylla blooms Apr-Jul.
What plant family does Lepechinia cardiophylla belong to?
Lepechinia cardiophylla is in the Lamiaceae family, genus Lepechinia.
Is Lepechinia cardiophylla rare or endangered?
Lepechinia cardiophylla carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.2, state rank S2S3.
What habitat does Lepechinia cardiophylla grow in?
Lepechinia cardiophylla grows in Chaparral.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · 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.