Teucrium cubense subsp. depressum
Dwarf germander, Dwarf Germander
(c) Douglas Goldman, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Douglas Goldman · licence
Family: Lamiaceae · Type: Perennial · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 2B.2
Teucrium cubense subsp. depressum (Dwarf germander) is a native California perennial in the Lamiaceae family, recognized by features include withering leaves in fruit and low desert habitat.
Dwarf germander is a rare (CNPS 2B.2) California native perennial found in the southern desert regions in sandy soils, washes, fields, and alkaline flats at elevations below 400 meters. Flowering from March to May, this plant produces small white to pale purple flowers with bristle-tipped calyx lobes. Growing with compact stems 10 to 20 centimeters tall, it forms low, spreading clusters. Its leaves are distinctive, with lower leaves 2 to 4 centimeters long, broadly ovate to obovate and slightly lobed or crenate, while upper leaves are smaller and typically deeply three-lobed. The delicate flowers are approximately 7 to 15 millimeters long, with a subtly puberulent interior.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Geographically isolated with no sympatric species; diagnostic features include withering leaves in fruit and low desert habitat
Habitat and range
Habitat: Sandy soils, washes, fields, alkaline flats
Elevation: < 400 m
Outside California: to Texas, northern Mexico
Bloom period
Teucrium cubense subsp. depressum blooms Mar-May.
Conservation status
CNPS 2B.2
How to tell it apart
vs Salvia: Salvia has a distinct upper lip arching over the flower; Teucrium's flowers look bottom-lip-only.; vs Stachys: Stachys has both upper and lower lips clearly visible; Teucrium appears to have removed the top lip entirely.; vs Lavandula: Lavender has tiny, symmetrical flowers in dense spikes; Teucrium has larger one-lipped flowers in looser clusters.; vs Trichostema: Trichostema has dramatically long stamens arching out of the flower; Teucrium's stamens are shorter and less showy.; vs Condea: Condea has normal two-lipped flowers; Teucrium's distinctive one-lipped flowers are unmistakable.
Frequently asked questions
Is Teucrium cubense subsp. depressum native to California?
Yes. Teucrium cubense subsp. depressum is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Teucrium cubense subsp. depressum bloom?
Teucrium cubense subsp. depressum blooms Mar-May.
What plant family does Teucrium cubense subsp. depressum belong to?
Teucrium cubense subsp. depressum is in the Lamiaceae family, genus Teucrium.
Is Teucrium cubense subsp. depressum rare or endangered?
Teucrium cubense subsp. depressum carries California Rare Plant Rank 2B.2, state rank S1.
What habitat does Teucrium cubense subsp. depressum grow in?
Teucrium cubense subsp. depressum grows in Sandy soils, washes, fields, alkaline flats.
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.