Lepechinia ganderi
Gander's pitcher sage
(c) Millie Basden, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Millie Basden · licence
Family: Lamiaceae · Type: Shrub · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.3
Lepechinia ganderi (Gander's pitcher sage) is a native California shrub in the Lamiaceae family, recognized by lanceolate leaves vs cordate leaves.
Gander's pitcher sage is a rare (CNPS 1B.3) California native perennial found in the Peninsular Ranges on Otay Mountain in chaparral habitats at elevations of 300 to 1,100 meters. Flowering from June to July, this plant produces white to pale lavender flowers in whorled clusters with spreading calyces. Growing with erect stems 30 to 60 centimeters tall, it features short, branched stems covered in non-glandular hairs. Its leaves are lanceolate, ranging from serrate to entire, with a distinctive texture and arrangement that helps distinguish this sage. The plant develops small, glabrous fruits that complement its aromatic and textured foliage.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 1 sympatric species; key feature is lanceolate leaves vs cordate leaves
Habitat and range
Habitat: Chaparral
Elevation: 300-1100 m
California counties: San Diego, Orange
Outside California: Baja California
Bloom period
Lepechinia ganderi blooms Jun-Jul.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.3
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 ganderi native to California?
Yes. Lepechinia ganderi is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Lepechinia ganderi bloom?
Lepechinia ganderi blooms Jun-Jul.
Where in California does Lepechinia ganderi grow?
Lepechinia ganderi occurs in San Diego, Orange, at elevations of 300-1100 m.
What plant family does Lepechinia ganderi belong to?
Lepechinia ganderi is in the Lamiaceae family, genus Lepechinia.
Is Lepechinia ganderi rare or endangered?
Lepechinia ganderi carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.3, 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.