Monardella hypoleuca subsp. hypoleuca

white-veined monardella

Monardella hypoleuca — parent species of Monardella hypoleuca subsp. hypoleuca

Photo: parent species Monardella hypoleuca · Photo by Chez Brungraber

Family: Lamiaceae · Type: Subshrub · Native

Conservation status: CNPS 1B.3

Monardella hypoleuca subsp. hypoleuca (white-veined monardella) is a native California subshrub in the Lamiaceae family, recognized by distinctive white-tomentose leaf undersides with prominent veins.

White-veined monardella is a rare (CNPS 1B.3) California native shrub found in southern Coast Ranges and western Transverse Ranges in oak woodland and chaparral at elevations below 1,500 meters. Flowering from May to October, this plant produces pale lavender to lavender flowers in compact clusters 11 to 35 millimeters wide. Growing with matted to tufted stems 25 to 50 centimeters tall that are glabrous or sparsely hairy, it forms a weakly rhizomatous and fragrant ground cover. Its narrowly ovate leaves are 30 to 50 millimeters long, with prominent white-tomentose undersides that create a striking contrast against the green upper surface. The plant's dense white leaf undersides and pale lavender flowers make it a distinctive component of its native woodland habitats.

Identification and appearance

Key characters: 14 sympatric species; distinctive white-tomentose leaf undersides with prominent veins

Habitat and range

Habitat: Oak woodland, chaparral

Elevation: < 1500 m

Bloom period

Monardella hypoleuca subsp. hypoleuca blooms May-Oct.

Conservation status

CNPS 1B.3

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 hypoleuca subsp. hypoleuca native to California?

Yes. Monardella hypoleuca subsp. hypoleuca is native to California (recorded as native).

When does Monardella hypoleuca subsp. hypoleuca bloom?

Monardella hypoleuca subsp. hypoleuca blooms May-Oct.

What plant family does Monardella hypoleuca subsp. hypoleuca belong to?

Monardella hypoleuca subsp. hypoleuca is in the Lamiaceae family, genus Monardella.

Is Monardella hypoleuca subsp. hypoleuca rare or endangered?

Monardella hypoleuca subsp. hypoleuca carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.3, state rank S3.

What habitat does Monardella hypoleuca subsp. hypoleuca grow in?

Monardella hypoleuca subsp. hypoleuca grows in Oak woodland, chaparral.

Related species

Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.

All Monardella species · All Lamiaceae

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.