Monardella undulata subsp. arguelloensis
Point Arguello monardella
Photo: parent species Monardella undulata · (c) Nicole, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Lamiaceae · Type: Shrub · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.1
Monardella undulata subsp. arguelloensis (Point Arguello monardella) is a native California shrub in the Lamiaceae family, recognized by largest subspecies with thick woody stem and fleshy leaves.
Point Arguello monardella is a rare (CNPS 1B.1) California native shrub found in southern central coastal California, specifically at Point Arguello in Santa Barbara County, growing in stabilized coastal dunes at elevations of 50 to 150 meters. Flowering from May to September, this plant produces rose to purple flowers in clusters that are 18 to 30 millimeters wide, with distinctive straw-colored or purple-tinged bracts. Growing with erect woody stems 30 to 100 centimeters tall and branching extensively, the plant has a stout main stem up to 3.5 centimeters in diameter. Its leaves are distinctively wavy-margined, narrowly lanceolate, 10 to 40 millimeters long, and fleshy green with sparse to moderate hair coverage. The plant's multi-branched structure and strongly undulating leaf margins make it a distinctive coastal shrub adapted to sandy dune environments.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 10 sympatric species; largest subspecies with thick woody stem and fleshy leaves
Habitat and range
Habitat: Stabilized coastal dunes, sandy soils
Elevation: 50-150 m
Bloom period
Monardella undulata subsp. arguelloensis blooms May-Sep.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.1
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 undulata subsp. arguelloensis native to California?
Yes. Monardella undulata subsp. arguelloensis is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Monardella undulata subsp. arguelloensis bloom?
Monardella undulata subsp. arguelloensis blooms May-Sep.
What plant family does Monardella undulata subsp. arguelloensis belong to?
Monardella undulata subsp. arguelloensis is in the Lamiaceae family, genus Monardella.
Is Monardella undulata subsp. arguelloensis rare or endangered?
Monardella undulata subsp. arguelloensis carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.1, state rank S1.
What habitat does Monardella undulata subsp. arguelloensis grow in?
Monardella undulata subsp. arguelloensis grows in Stabilized coastal dunes, sandy soils.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos · CDFW CNDDB
Last updated 2026-09-30
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.