Monardella undulata subsp. undulata
San luis obispo monardella, San Luis Obispo Monardella
Photo: parent species Monardella undulata · (c) Nicole, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Lamiaceae · Type: Shrub · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.2
Monardella undulata subsp. undulata (San luis obispo monardella) is a native California shrub in the Lamiaceae family, recognized by thin linear leaves and sparsely hairy purple stems.
San luis obispo monardella is a rare (CNPS 1B.2) California native shrub found in southern central Coast Ranges in San Luis Obispo County, occurring in stabilized coastal dunes and coastal scrub habitats at elevations below 200 meters. Flowering from April to September, this plant produces rose-purple to purple flowers in compact clusters 10 to 20 millimeters wide. Growing with several erect stems 30 to 70 centimeters tall that are slightly hairy and often purple-tinged, it forms an open, distinctive subshrub structure. Its thin leaves are linear to narrowly lanceolate, 10 to 30 millimeters long with wavy margins, appearing sparse and green. Its flower bracts are notably straw-colored or purple, lanceolate to narrowly ovate, creating an attractive visual contrast.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 10 sympatric species; thin linear leaves and sparsely hairy purple stems
Habitat and range
Habitat: Stabilized dunes, coastal scrub, stabilized sandy soils
Elevation: < 200 m
California counties: San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara
Bloom period
Monardella undulata subsp. undulata blooms Apr-Sep.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.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 undulata subsp. undulata native to California?
Yes. Monardella undulata subsp. undulata is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Monardella undulata subsp. undulata bloom?
Monardella undulata subsp. undulata blooms Apr-Sep.
Where in California does Monardella undulata subsp. undulata grow?
Monardella undulata subsp. undulata occurs in San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, at elevations of < 200 m.
What plant family does Monardella undulata subsp. undulata belong to?
Monardella undulata subsp. undulata is in the Lamiaceae family, genus Monardella.
Is Monardella undulata subsp. undulata rare or endangered?
Monardella undulata subsp. undulata carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.2, state rank S2.
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 2026-09-30
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.