Monardella breweri subsp. microcephala
small-headed monardella
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Family: Lamiaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 2B.2
Monardella breweri subsp. microcephala (small-headed monardella) is a native California herb in the Lamiaceae family, recognized by small flower heads diagnostic.
Small-headed monardella is a rare (CNPS 2B.2) California native annual found in southern Peninsular Ranges in open, rocky sites and grassy openings in chaparral and woodland at elevations below 2,000 meters. Flowering from May to August, this plant produces purple flowers in dense clusters 5 to 20 millimeters wide. Growing with slender purple stems 9 to 30 centimeters tall that are glandular-hairy near the top, it has a delicate, upright form. Its leaves are approximately lanceolate, measuring 15 to 40 millimeters long with a narrow, pointed shape. The flower bracts are green or purple-tipped, measuring 5 to 7 millimeters long with distinctive cross-veining.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 7 sympatric species; small flower heads diagnostic
Habitat and range
Habitat: Open, rocky, occasionally disturbed sites; grassy openings in chaparral, woodland
Elevation: < 2000 m
Outside California: northern Baja California
Bloom period
Monardella breweri subsp. microcephala blooms May-Aug.
Conservation status
CNPS 2B.2
How to tell it apart
vs Mentha: Mint has multiple flower clusters spaced along the stem; Monardella has one terminal pom-pom head per stem.; vs Salvia: Sage has flowers spaced along an elongated spike; Monardella's flowers are densely packed into a rounded head.; vs Veronica: Speedwell has flowers in a loose spike and isn't aromatic; Monardella's flowers form a dense head with mint scent.; vs Phacelia: Phacelia's flower clusters uncurl like a fern; Monardella's form a compact, stationary head with a bract collar.; vs Valeriana: Valerian has tiny flowers in branched clusters; Monardella has larger mint flowers in a single terminal head.
Frequently asked questions
Is Monardella breweri subsp. microcephala native to California?
Yes. Monardella breweri subsp. microcephala is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Monardella breweri subsp. microcephala bloom?
Monardella breweri subsp. microcephala blooms May-Aug.
What plant family does Monardella breweri subsp. microcephala belong to?
Monardella breweri subsp. microcephala is in the Lamiaceae family, genus Monardella.
Is Monardella breweri subsp. microcephala rare or endangered?
Monardella breweri subsp. microcephala carries California Rare Plant Rank 2B.2, state rank S2.
What habitat does Monardella breweri subsp. microcephala grow in?
Monardella breweri subsp. microcephala grows in Open, rocky, occasionally disturbed sites; grassy openings in chaparral, woodland.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos · CDFW CNDDB
Last updated 2026-10-08
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.