Lepechinia fragrans
Fragrant pitcher sage
Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Lamiaceae · Type: Shrub · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 4.2
Lepechinia fragrans (Fragrant pitcher sage) is a native California shrub in the Lamiaceae family, recognized by calyx inflated only at base and long pedicels.
Fragrant pitcher sage is a California native perennial herb ranked 4.2 by CNPS, found in southern California coastal regions, northern Channel Islands, western Transverse Ranges, and San Gabriel Mountains in chaparral habitats at elevations below 1,300 meters. Flowering from March to October, this plant produces flowers with subtle coloration nestled among long, branching stems covered in soft, nonglandular hairs. Growing with an upright, somewhat open form reaching 30 to 90 centimeters tall, it develops a distinctive branched structure with delicate architectural complexity. Its lance-shaped leaves range from lance-deltate to lance-ovate, featuring serrated to entire margins that contribute to the plant's subtle textural appeal. The inflated calyx and persistent flower structures add intricate botanical interest to this aromatic sage species.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 2 sympatric species; key features are calyx inflated only at base and long pedicels
Habitat and range
Habitat: Chaparral
Elevation: < 1300 m
California counties: Los Angeles, Ventura, San Bernardino, Santa Barbara
Bloom period
Lepechinia fragrans blooms Mar-Oct.
Conservation status
CNPS 4.2
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 fragrans native to California?
Yes. Lepechinia fragrans is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Lepechinia fragrans bloom?
Lepechinia fragrans blooms Mar-Oct.
Where in California does Lepechinia fragrans grow?
Lepechinia fragrans occurs in Los Angeles, Ventura, San Bernardino, Santa Barbara, at elevations of < 1300 m.
What plant family does Lepechinia fragrans belong to?
Lepechinia fragrans is in the Lamiaceae family, genus Lepechinia.
Is Lepechinia fragrans rare or endangered?
Lepechinia fragrans carries California Rare Plant Rank 4.2, state rank S3.
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.